The  IHSA state football playoffs are starting up this weekend for the Normal West Wildcats with a home game Saturday against #13 Thornwood. 

After the regular season, the team ended with a record of 7-2, putting the Wildcats at the 4th seed in the 6A Playoffs. 

Coming off a 5-game win streak, the expectations for a successful playoffs are growing.

Hopeful to keep the success going forward, the focus for the team is to keep taking it week by week and to stay on track. 

“We are taking it one game/week at a time, not trying to get ahead of ourselves,” junior running back Cody Muhlbauer stated.

Muhlbauer’s mindset is echoed by other teammates, as well.

“Heading into the postseason, the mindset is definitely one week at a time. We can’t get caught looking too far ahead, so we take care of business this week and make that our main priority,” junior offensive lineman Jordan Stovall noted.

“Some of the biggest things that make our football team and program as a whole successful is our passion for the game. We have a lot of potential in terms of talent. When we all practice and play, we desire more out of our season; success is inevitable,” Stovall added.

The key to this team’s success lies in the chemistry and love for one another.

“We have lots of fast-paced players who are always ready to go into battle and fight for one another,” Muhlbauer stated. 

 What to expect:

The Thornwood Thunderbirds are ending the regular season with a record of 5-4, ranking #13 in 6A Playoffs. Gametime is at 1 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium on Saturday, November 1. The student section theme is Halloween costumes, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Next game: 

The winner of this game will play the following weekend against the winner of #5 Goode or #12 Simeon.