Normal Community Holds Off Edwardsville to Advance in IHSA Class 7A Football Playoffs

The Tigers rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit and twice narrowed the gap, challenging the Ironmen before their season ended with a 5-6 record.

Colin Feeney, Contributing Sports Writer

Nov 1, 2026 7:46 AM

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Tigers quarterback Dean Williams. NORMAL — Top-seeded Normal Community held off Edwardsville’s second-half comeback Saturday afternoon, Oct. 31, 2026, scoring midway through the fourth quarter to secure a 28-14 victory at Dick Thorn Field and eliminate the Tigers from the IHSA Class 7A football playoffs.

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The Ironmen improved to 10-0 after receiving an opening-round bye and will host Chicago Kenwood in the second round next weekend. Edwardsville finished its season at 5-6.

Quarterback Lucas Beaty’s 4-yard touchdown run midway through the final quarter restored Normal Community’s two-touchdown lead after Edwardsville had cut the deficit to 21-14. The Ironmen’s defense then stopped the Tigers, and Normal Community ran out the clock.

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Normal Community built a 14-0 halftime lead with two first-quarter touchdowns. Malakai Kinsey opened the scoring on a 3-yard run just past the quarter’s midpoint. After an Edwardsville punt late in the period, Beaty connected with Luke Potts for a 19-yard touchdown pass.

The Tigers answered on their first possession of the second half when Dean Williams found Harvey Wallace for a 58-yard touchdown catch and run, cutting the lead to 14-7.

Beaty scored on a 7-yard run later in the third quarter to put the Ironmen ahead 21-7. Edwardsville responded on its next possession, with Jordan Gabriel’s 3-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter bringing the Tigers within seven points again.

Beaty’s second rushing touchdown provided the final margin.

Kenwood advanced with a 46-7 victory over Lombard Glenbard East. The date and kickoff time for the Kenwood-Normal Community game, along with the other second-round games, will be announced Monday afternoon at the IHSA office.