Big 12 coaches happy as conference sends five teams still alive in prep football playoffs

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — The Big 12 is showing off big muscle.

Five Big 12 Conference schools made the high school state football playoffs and all won their postseason openers.

"We typically hear a lot that our conference tends to be watered down and we don't typically do well in the playoffs," said Normal West head coach Nathan Fincham. "Then to have five teams go out and win their first-round games against quality opponents, says a lot about how competitive this conference was this year."

The highlight of the first round of the playoffs was likely Notre Dame's overtime win at defending state champion Rochester. Peoria High beat Hillcrest, Normal Community beat West Chicago, Bloomington beat Lemont and Normal West defeated Simeon.

"It speaks to the fact that week in and week out, we get prepared for the playoffs," said Peoria High coach Aaron Montgomery. "Our conference plays a great level of football. It definitely prepares us for the extra games in November."

This week, the Big 12 Conference champion Ironmen will play at home. But all of the other Big 12 schools will travel for second-round playoff games.

"The type of players we have in the Big 12, dynamic, outstanding players. The type of coaches we have, great men, great leaders, great X's and O's guys. It's fun to see our conference do so well in the postseason," said Normal Community coach Jason Drengwitz. "Hopefully all of us can continue on in the following rounds."