OPRF beat Addison Trail 48-20 on Saturday, Oct. 10, clinching the Huskies' first IHSA Class 8A playoff berth since 2018.

Senior running back Norlan Davis carried 10 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the West Suburban Conference crossover, the Wednesday Journal reported. Sophomore Labrone Neal added 10 rushes for 91 yards and a score. Senior Liam Smith punched in two more touchdowns as OPRF improved to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the Silver Division.

The defense was just as dominant.

The Huskies picked off three passes. Seniors Robert Kolovitz and Niko Vielehr each grabbed an interception, and junior inside linebacker Karson Fields nearly returned his pick for a touchdown.

Fields, a team captain, played the majority of snaps on both sides of the ball. He starts at center on offense and inside linebacker on defense. Head coach John Hoerster singled him out after the game, saying Fields handles two demanding positions at a high level. Fields was in grammar school the last time OPRF made the playoffs.

"My mindset going into this is just keeping the same work ethic we've had since late summer, and making sure everyone has bought in …" Fields told the Wednesday Journal. He added that the goal is to get past the first round and play into November.

That 2018 squad beat New Trier 34-16 in the first round before falling to eventual state runner-up Brother Rice 27-17 in the second. Eight years later, Hoerster said his team's defining trait is resilience, noting the Huskies have bounced back from tight losses against strong opponents all season.

Hoerster said the team will likely work out Saturday, Oct. 17, eat dinner at school and watch the IHSA Football Playoff Pairings Show together at 9 p.m. on WCIU (Channel 26.1). Analysts Dave Bernhard and Tim O'Halloran will unveil first-round matchups across all eight classes. The IHSA expanded the playoff field to 384 teams this year, according to On3.

Fenwick rolls past St. Viator

Across town, defending Class 6A champion Fenwick routed visiting St. Viator 56-6 at Triton College on Oct. 10, improving to 5-3 overall and 0-2 in the Chicago Catholic League Orange Division.

Senior running back Jake Thies scored three touchdowns in the first five minutes. Senior defensive tackle and right guard Kam Rutlin controlled both lines of scrimmage, and kicker JP Bordeaux-Walsh converted every extra-point attempt.

With starters resting early, reserves got extended reps. Senior Will O'Keefe filled in on the offensive line. Senior receiver Ryan Murray caught a touchdown pass. Sophomore Luke Bottari picked off a pass that set up the final score of the first half, and freshman receiver Noah Marshall stood out, according to coach Matt Battaglia.

Senior Tommy Quinn scored a rushing touchdown at quarterback and added tackles at safety. Battaglia said the Friars have not yet played their best football and are focused on cleaning up execution heading into the postseason.

Fenwick closes the regular season Saturday, Oct. 17, against Carmel at Triton College. Both the Friars and Huskies plan team dinners before tuning in to the 9 p.m. pairings show.