Three Glenbard football programs have clinched postseason berths heading into Week 9, and the fourth could join them Oct. 16.

Glenbard West, Glenbard East and Glenbard South each sit at 5-3 and appear in the IHSA's latest playoff outlook, released Oct. 11. Glenbard North, at 3-5, is not listed but could still qualify under the expanded 384-team format the IHSA adopted this year. That format sends 48 teams per class to the postseason, with the top 16 seeds in each class earning first-round byes.

Here's what each program needs in Week 9.

Glenbard West (5-3) vs. Proviso West

The Hilltoppers carry 41 playoff points and are projected in the Class 7A bracket, according to Shaw Local reporter Steve Soucie. A win over Proviso West would push West toward a first-round bye. The Hilltoppers lost to York on Saturday, Oct. 10, but entered the week with wins over Lyons, Hinsdale South and Hinsdale Central. Receiver Brady Johnson has been a key target in the passing game.

Glenbard East (5-3) vs. South Elgin

The Rams hold 39 playoff points and are also projected in Class 7A. A win in their conference crossover against South Elgin would strengthen their case for an opening-round bye.

Glenbard East had won five straight after an 0-2 start before Riverside-Brookfield handed the Rams a 38-28 loss on Friday, Oct. 9. The defeat snapped a run that had pushed the Rams to 17-0 in Upstate Eight East games since the conference split into two divisions in 2024. Sophomore quarterback Carter Pohlman and receiver Malachi Miller lead the offense. Miller had a 60-yard touchdown run and a 54-yard touchdown catch the week before the Riverside-Brookfield game.

Glenbard East head coach John Walters told Shaw Local on Oct. 10, "I don't think there's a bounce-back. We just need to clean up some of the details and play just a little bit better football."

Glenbard South (5-3) vs. Riverside-Brookfield

The Raiders have the toughest draw. They close the regular season against 7-1 Riverside-Brookfield, which just clinched a share of the Upstate Eight East title. Glenbard South carries 29 playoff points in the Class 5A bracket and is set to make its 15th straight playoff appearance. Soucie's projection says the Raiders likely need a win to have any hope of a first-round bye. Running back Elijah Donahue has anchored a Raiders offense that averaged 50 points per game in its five wins this season. South lost to West Aurora in Week 8.

Glenbard North (3-5) vs. Wheaton North

The Panthers face the most uncertain path. At 3-5, Glenbard North does not appear on the IHSA's official playoff outlook. The expanded 48-team-per-class format could still leave room for the Panthers, but nothing is guaranteed. North lost to Geneva 62-35 in Week 7 and fell 33-32 on a last-second touchdown pass on Saturday, Oct. 10. A win over 5-3 Wheaton North would improve seeding and strengthen the Panthers' case. A loss would leave their postseason hopes dependent on the expanded bracket math.

Week 9 games are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17. Kickoff times had not been confirmed as of Wednesday, Oct. 14.