2026 IHSA playoffs: Steve Soucie’s Class 1A playoff analysis and picks

Round of 32 matchupsGalena (6-4) at Heyworth (9-0): There was no fooling around by Galena in the opening round as it hung 72 points on Orr. There’s little question that the Pirates might be the most dangerous team in the state that finished fifth in their conference race. Heyworth finished the school’s first ever undefeated regular season but will almost immediately face stern challenges in a loaded 1A field.Pick: HeyworthAbingdon-Avon (8-2) at Fisher (7-2): Abingdon-Avon hadn’t won more than three games in a season since 2021, which also marks the last playoff win for the Tornadoes when they reached the quarterfinals. Fisher’s past history made this playoff run seem even less likely. The Bunnies hadn’t posted more than two wins since 2019 and suspended their season midstream in 2022.Pick: FisherOttawa Marquette (7-3) at Clifton Central (8-1): At one point, Ottawa Marquette was 2-3, but the Crusaders have looked nothing like a middling team over the last month, toppling numerous solid