CHICAGO, IL — The lights of CPS Rockne Stadium will shine brightly on Thursday night as two undefeated Chicago Public League teams, the Chicago Sullivan Tigers and the Phoenix Military Academy Firebirds, prepare for a pivotal Week 2 non-conference battle. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM on September 4, 2025, in a matchup that pits Sullivan’s high-octane offense against Phoenix’s resilient defense.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Chicago Sullivan vs Phoenix Military
When: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: CPS Rockne Stadium
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Both squads enter this contest with identical 1-0 records, but the paths they took to get there could not be more different. The Tigers are flying high after a dominant, statement-making victory, while the Firebirds grinded out a tough, low-scoring win. This game promises to be a classic clash of styles.

Tigers Roar Loud in Season Opener

The Chicago Sullivan Tigers announced their presence in the 2025 season with a thunderous, 54-0 shutout victory. Head Coach and his team sent a clear message to the rest of the state: this offense is a force to be reckoned with.

The Tigers’ attack was nothing short of explosive, amassing a staggering 460 total yards. The ground game was the engine of their dominance, chewing up 380 rushing yards. This multifaceted assault left their first opponent with no answers and has given future foes, including Phoenix Military, plenty to worry about film room.

Leading the charge was dynamic playmaker Logan Rivera. The senior sensation put on a show, single-handedly accounting for 270 total yards of offense. Rivera proved to be a dual-threat nightmare, rushing for 190 yards and adding another 80 through the air. His ability to break a game open on any given play makes him the focal point of Sullivan’s attack.

Rivera wasn’t alone. Receiver Payton Pope emerged as a prime target, hauling in passes for 50 receiving yards. While the offense grabs headlines, the Tigers’ defense was equally impressive, pitching a shutout. The defensive unit was anchored by Charles Harris, who racked up 6 tackles, and pass-rusher Uthman Salami, who registered a sack. This complete team performance has skyrocketed confidence within the Sullivan camp.

Firebirds Win a Defensive Grinder

Across the field, the Phoenix Military Academy Firebirds secured their first win of the season in a fashion built on grit and determination. They emerged victorious from a hard-fought, 8-6 defensive struggle, proving they have the fortitude to win close games.

Unlike their upcoming opponent, Phoenix Military’s victory was not about flashy statistics but about critical stops and clutch plays when they mattered most. Their defense held their first opponent to a mere 6 points, a testament to a disciplined and tough-minded unit. While the full stat sheet from their opener is still developing, the only number that truly matters is the one in the win column.

The Firebirds’ offense managed to put just enough points on the board to secure the victory. Their 8-point output shows a unit that is still finding its rhythm but possesses the toughness to capitalize on opportunities. Facing a Sullivan defense that just posted a zero will be the ultimate test for Phoenix’s offensive progression in Week 2.

This game will be a true measure of their resilience. Can their defense, which showed so much promise in Week 1, contain a juggernaut like Sullivan’s offense? That is the defining question heading into Thursday night.

Key Matchups to Watch

The outcome of this game will likely be decided by a few critical individual and unit battles.

1. Sullivan’ O-Line vs. Phoenix’s Front Seven: The Tigers’ offensive line paved the way for 380 rushing yards last week. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage and create running lanes for Logan Rivera will be paramount. Phoenix Military’s defensive front, which proved stout in its opener, must win its share of battles at the line to disrupt Sullivan’s rhythm. If Rivera has time and space, it will be a long night for the Firebirds.

2. Logan Rivera vs. Phoenix Military Secondary: When Rivera decides to take to the air, his connection with receivers like Payton Pope will be key. Phoenix’s defensive backs must be prepared for play-action and deep shots. containing Sullivan’s offense means accounting for every weapon, not just the run game.

3. The Turnover Battle: In what is expected to be a game of contrasting tempos, a single turnover could swing the momentum. Sullivan will look to play a clean, fast-paced game. Phoenix, likely seeking a slower, physical contest, will aim to force mistakes and create short fields for its offense. Whichever team protects the ball better will have a significant advantage.

Game Information and Ticket Details

The Chicago Sullivan vs. Phoenix Military showdown is set for Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 7:30 PM. The game will be hosted at the historic CPS Rockne Stadium.

In alignment with modern high school sports trends, digital tickets are exclusively available for purchase in advance through GoFan. Fans are strongly encouraged to secure their tickets online early to ensure entry and avoid any potential lines at the gate. This system provides a seamless and contact-free experience for all attendees.

What’s at Stake?

Beyond the pristine 1-0 records, this game carries significant weight for both programs. For Chicago Sullivan, a convincing win against another undefeated team would solidify their status as a serious threat within the Chicago Public League and build crucial momentum early in the season. It would prove their Week 1 performance was no fluke.

For Phoenix Military, a victory would be a massive statement. Overcoming a team with Sullivan’s apparent firepower would send shockwaves through the league and announce that their defensive grit can overcome offensive powerhouse. It would be a program-defining win that could set the tone for their entire season.

Both teams are looking to prove their early success is sustainable. For one, the dream of a 2-0 start will become a reality. For the other, it will be back to the drawing board.

The Final Word

This non-conference clash is everything that makes high school football great. It’s a battle of opposites: Sullivan’s overwhelming offense versus Phoenix Military’s bend-don’t-break defense. It features elite athletes like Sullivan’s Logan Rivera and hard-nosed, determined players from both sidelines.

Will the Tigers’ offensive onslaught continue unabated? Or will the Firebirds’ disciplined defense engineer an upset for the ages?

One thing is certain: CPS Rockne Stadium is the place to be this Thursday night for what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in Illinois high school football.

For continued coverage of this game and all Illinois High School Football news, scores, and rankings throughout the season, stay locked into our coverage at HS Football Insider – Illinois.