(10-26-25) 2025 is the first winning season for Rockford Jefferson since 1993…the reward a spot in the playoffs.

Jefferson will play in the Class 7A opening round. The J-Hawks (5-4) will travel to Chicago to play Brother Rice. The Crusaders are 8-1 on the season with their only loss coming to Mt. Carmel 27-14 on October 3rd, it is their first playoff appearance since 2022.

The J-Hawks are the #27 seed, while Brother Rice is the #6 seed.

Jefferson J-Hawks Return to IHSA Playoffs, First Time Since 1993

13 WREX

Joe Blume was Jefferson’s coach from 1975 to 1993 and he coached the J-Hawks to the playoffs to the playoffs eight times back when it took at least six wins to qualify. From 1994 until Friday night, Jefferson only reached as many as four wins in a season four times under 11 different coaches. Counting the three losing seasons before Blume took over, Jefferson had never had a winning record without Blume as head coach.

Blume, who died in 2012, coached the J-Hawks from 1976 to 1993, compiling a 100-63 record. His teams made the playoffs eight of his last 10 years.


Class 7A- 2025 IHSA Playoff 1st Round

First Round, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1

#32 Edwardsville at #1 Richards

#17 Payton at #16 Hersey

#25 St. Rita at #8 Guilford

#24 Reavis at #9 Lincoln-Way Central

#29 West Chicago at #4 Glenbard East

#20 Hoffman Estates at #13 Batavia

#28 Andrew at #5 Moline

#21 Glenbard North at #12 Yorkville

#31 Willowbrook at #2 Glenbard West

#18 Prospect at #15 Downers Grove North

#26 Lincoln Park at #7 Lincoln-Way West

#23 Prosser at #10 Kenwood

#30 United at #3 St. Charles North

#19 Normal at #14 Carmel

#27 Jefferson at #6 Brother Rice

#22 Jacobs at #11 Addison Trail