It has been an exciting football season for the Streaks. Galesburg has been explosive offensively and has earned a IHSA Playoff spot. This will be the Streaks 10th trip to the IHSA Playoffs.
Some Illinois sports have had a State Series for over 100 years. The first IHSA football series was in 1974 when there were just 5 classes of 16 teams. This year there will be 8 classes of 48 teams each. Here is how the playoffs have changed over the years.
1974- 5 Classes- 16 Teams Per Class- 80 Total Teams
1980- 6 Classes- 16 Teams Per Class- 96 Total Teams
1985- 6 Classes- 32 Teams Per Class- 192 Total Teams
2000- 8 Classes- 32 Teams Per Class- 256 Total Teams
2026- 8 Classes- 48 Teams Per Class- 384 Total Teams
This year, the top 16 teams in each class will receive a bye, and the other 32 teams will play. The winners will advance to what the IHSA is calling the “First Round.”
Here is a look back at Galesburg’s previous State Appearances…
1976- 5A
Galesburg (7-2) at Belleville W (9-0)
Coach Kelly Kane
Initially in the playoffs, teams were assigned to classes based on the average enrollment of their conference. With Galesburg in the same conference with large schools like Moline, Quincy, UTHS, and Rock Island, the Streaks were placed in the largest of the five classes. Galesburg was assigned to play the #2 team in Illinois, Belleville West.
Galesburg had a tough start, the opening kickoff landed close to the goal line but did not go into the end zone. The GHS runner had to pick it up and return the ball. To allude the defense, the runner went into the end zone, where he was tackled for a safety. Not only did the Streaks start out down 2-0 but had to kick from the 20 into a tough wind. Galesburg never got great field position and was down 16-0 after one quarter.
The Streaks were further hampered when their All-State running back, Dean McKillip reinjured his leg in the second quarter which then limited him.
Galesburg battled back to cut the lead to 16-11 but was hampered by too many turnovers. The Streaks threw 4 interceptions, including a pick six, which led the final score of 23-11.
Belleville West went onto to make it to the State Semi-Finals before losing.
1980
1983
1987
1991
2002
2012
2014
2016
2026
