CHICAGO, IL—In a hard-fought, non-conference battle that lived up to every bit of its billing, the Comer Catamounts (2-0) edged the Back of the Yards College Prep Bobcats (0-1-1) by a final score of 28-26 on Thursday afternoon. In a game defined by explosive second-half scoring and a dramatic final stand, Comer’s early-season momentum proved just enough to overcome a ferocious Bobcat comeback attempt on their home turf.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Comer vs Back of the Yards College Prep
When: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Time: 4:15 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

The final score tells only half the story. This was a game of two distinct halves: a defensive stalemate early on, followed by an offensive shootout that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

First Half: A Defensive Grind

The opening quarters were a classic case of two teams feeling each other out, with both defenses refusing to yield an inch. Comer, fresh off a Week 1 victory, and Back of the Yards College Prep, coming off a tie against Chicago Vocational, struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm.

The Bobcats broke the scoreless deadlock in the second quarter, punching in a touchdown to take a 6-0 lead. Their defense was swarming, effectively containing Comer’s offensive weapons and heading into the halftime break with a tangible advantage and all the momentum.

Second Half: The Offensive Floodgates Open

Whatever was said in the Comer locker room at halftime worked. The Catamounts emerged from the break a completely different team, immediately imposing their will on the game.

The third quarter belonged almost exclusively to Comer. They erupted for 14 unanswered points, stunning the home crowd and swiftly turning a six-point deficit into an eight-point lead. The comeback was spearheaded by the dynamic connection between quarterback Oscar Acosta (#1) and wide receiver Sebastian De Paz (#3). Acosta, who finished with 70 passing yards, found De Paz for key completions that stretched the BYCP defense and opened up running lanes.

Those lanes were exploited masterfully by running back Marko Franco (#7). Franco, the team’s leader in rushing yards (56.0 per game) and tackles (4.0 per game), proved to be a true two-way force. His relentless rushing wore down the Bobcats’ defense, and his tackles on the other side of the ball repeatedly stalled Bobcat drives.

Comer wasn’t done. They carried their explosive momentum into the fourth quarter, adding another 14 points to their tally. The 28-6 lead appeared, for all intents and purposes, to be an insurmountable mountain for the Bobcats to climb.

But climb they almost did.

Refusing to surrender, Back of the Yards College Prep mounted a heroic comeback effort in the game’s final minutes. The Bobcats’ offense, which had been stifled since the first half, suddenly found its groove, scoring 20 unanswered points to turn a blowout into a heart-pounding thriller.

With the clock winding down, the Bobcats drove deep into Comer territory, needing a touchdown and a two-point conversion to tie the game. The Catamounts’ defense, which had bent significantly during the comeback, finally snapped back into form. They made a crucial goal-line stand in the game’s final moments, stuffing a Bobcat run play to preserve their narrow lead and escape with the victory.

Key Performers and Takeaways

For the victorious Comer Catamounts, this game solidified their status as a team to watch in Illinois high school football. Their ability to flip a switch and dominate entire stretches of a game is a potent weapon.

• Oscar Acosta (QB, #1): The field general was calm under pressure, distributing the ball effectively and managing the game-winning drive.

• Sebastian De Paz (WR, #3): As the primary receiving threat, De Paz’s 61 receiving yards were crucial for moving the chains and creating big plays.

• Marko Franco (RB/LB, #7): The undisputed player of the game. Franco’s dual-threat capability on offense and defense was the engine that drove Comer to success.

For the Back of the Yards College Prep Bobcats, the loss is a tough pill to swallow, but the character shown in the fourth-quarter rally is something to build upon.

• The Defense: For three quarters, the Bobcat defense was exceptional. Their ability to contain a potent Comer offense for long periods is a major positive.

• Resilience: The never-say-die attitude displayed by the entire team proves they have the heart to compete with anyone. This loss, while painful, is a lesson in playing a full four quarters.

What’s Next?

The Comer Catamounts (2-0) will look to keep their perfect record intact as they continue their season. Their confidence will be sky-high after securing two hard-fought victories.

The Back of the Yards College Prep Bobcats (0-1-1) will need to regroup and focus on converting their fierce effort into a complete-game performance. There are no moral victories, but the fight they showed is a foundation for success.

This thrilling matchup was a perfect example of the passion and talent on display in Illinois high school football. For continued coverage of Comer, Back of the Yards College Prep, and all the exciting action across the state, stay locked into Illinois High School Football Events.

Game Summary:
Comer Catamounts: 28
Back of the Yards College Prep Bobcats: 26

Key Stat: Comer’s offense accumulated 132 total yards, with a balanced attack of 62 rushing and 70 passing yards, which proved just enough to secure the win against a tenacious BYCP defense.