CHICAGO, IL — Under the bright lights of Stagg Stadium, a battle of hungry Eagles is set to unfold. The Chicago Military Academy Broncos and the Lindblom Eagles, both 0-1, will lock horns in a Thursday afternoon non-conference showdown with more than just pride on the line. For two teams that stumbled out of the gate in Week 1, this game represents a critical opportunity to right the ship and build momentum for the grueling Illinois high school football season ahead. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Chicago Military Academy vs Lindblom
When: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Time: 4:15 p.m. ET
Where: Stagg Stadium
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
The matchup, available for viewing via digital tickets on GoFan, pits two programs with identical records but vastly different Week 1 performances. While CMA fell in a gritty, low-scoring 6-8 defensive battle, Lindblom suffered a heart-breaking 26-28 offensive shootout. The contrast in those initial results sets the stage for a fascinating stylistic clash.
A Tale of Two Week 1 Outcomes
The Chicago Military Academy Broncos enter this contest following a performance defined by defensive tenacity. Holding an opponent to just eight points is no small feat and speaks to a disciplined, hard-nosed unit. While the offense managed only a single touchdown, the defense proved it can keep the team in any game. Their national ranking of 13,429 and state standing of 503 belie the potential of a team that clearly has a strong defensive identity.
On the opposite sideline, the Lindblom Eagles’ opening loss was an offensive explosion that ended in narrow defeat. Putting up 26 points demonstrates a potent, big-play capability that CMA simply did not show. Ranked 11,767 nationally and 427 in Illinois, Lindblom’s offense, which averaged 236 total yards in their first game, will look to overwhelm the Broncos’ stout defense. The Eagles’ loss, by a mere two points, indicates a team that is just a few plays away from a very different narrative.
Key Matchups and Players to Watch
The outcome of this Eagles vs. Eagles battle will likely hinge on a classic confrontation: Lindblom’s high-flying offense against CMA’s brick-wall defense.
Lindblom’s Offensive Firepower
The Lindblom attack runs through quarterback Juel Pryor (#11), who lit up the stat sheet in Week 1 with 149 passing yards. His favorite target, wide receiver Gavin Tillman (#5), is a bona fide game-breaker. Tillman hauled in 81 receiving yards and found the end zone twice, accounting for 12 of the team’s 26 points. His ability to stretch the field and make plays in space will be a primary concern for the CMA secondary.
Complementing the air raid is running back Dajuan Anderson (#12), who ground out 82 rushing yards. This balanced offensive approach, capable of hurting teams on the ground and through the air, makes Lindblom a multifaceted threat. The offensive line, anchored by Joshua Gumm (#65) and his team-leading pancake block, will be tasked with giving Pryor time and creating lanes for Anderson.
CMA’s Defensive Resolve
To counter Lindblom’s attack, Chicago Military Academy will rely on its defensive leaders. Linebacker Daniele Ealy (#2) was an absolute force in the opener, recording a monstrous 15 tackles. That number isn’t just a team high; it’s a statement of relentless pursuit and tackling efficiency. If Ealy continues to fly to the ball, he can single-handedly disrupt Lindblom’s offensive rhythm.
Up front, defensive end Jonathan Cole (#15) will be crucial in applying pressure to Pryor. Cole notched 0.5 sacks in the first game and will need to collapse the pocket to prevent the Lindblom QB from getting comfortable and finding his dynamic receivers. The entire CMA defense, which held its previous opponent to a single score, must replicate that discipline and focus for four full quarters.
The X-Factors: Momentum and Mistakes
In a game between two teams desperate for their first victory, the mental aspect will be as important as the physical. Which team can shake off the frustration of Week 1? Which squad will make the critical plays in the fourth quarter?
For Lindblom, the key is finishing. A 28-26 loss suggests they moved the ball effectively but may have stalled in the red zone or committed costly turnovers at inopportune times. Cleaning up those mistakes and converting offensive drives into seven points instead of settling for field goals could be the difference.
For Chicago Military Academy, the challenge is unlocking its offense. A defense that allows only eight points should be enough to win. The Broncos must find a way to sustain drives, control the clock, and put more points on the board. They need a playmaker to emerge, much like Tillman has for Lindblom.
The Stagg Stadium Atmosphere
The game will be hosted at Lindblom’s home field, Stagg Stadium, potentially giving the home Eagles a slight emotional edge. A lively crowd can provide a significant boost, especially for a team looking to rally from a tough loss. The availability of digital tickets on GoFan makes it easy for fans and families to come out and support these young athletes in what promises to be a highly competitive contest.
For comprehensive coverage of this game and all Illinois high school football events throughout the season, make sure to follow the updates at HS Football Insider.
Prediction: A Battle to the Final Whistle
This is not a game that will be decided early. Expect a hard-fought contest that reflects the desperate nature of two teams determined to avoid an 0-2 start. Lindblom’s offensive versatility gives them a slight advantage, but it will be neutralized if CMA’s defense plays with the same ferocity it showed in Week 1.
The team that wins the turnover battle and makes the fewest mental errors will likely emerge victorious. If CMA’s offense can find a rhythm and score even two touchdowns, their defense is strong enough to secure a win. Conversely, if Lindblom’s offense starts fast and builds an early lead, they could force CMA into a one-dimensional game plan.
Look for Lindblom’s experience in high-scoring affairs to give them a narrow edge. In a back-and-forth game, the home Eagles make one more play than the visitors.
Final Score Prediction: Lindblom 20, Chicago Military Academy 14
Regardless of the outcome, this early-season non-conference clash will provide both coaching staffs with invaluable film and a clear measure of what needs improvement before the intensity of league play begins. For the players, it’s a chance to leave everything on the field and etch their name in the first win column of the 2025 season.
