CHICAGO, IL — The lights at Taft High School will burn bright Friday night as two undefeated teams, the Glenbrook South Titans and the Taft Eagles, prepare for a heavyweight non-conference battle. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM on Friday, September 5, 2025, in a game that promises to feature explosive offense and relentless defense. Both squads enter Week 2 with pristine 1-0 records, but only one will leave with their perfect start intact.

This matchup is more than just a simple non-conference game; it is a classic contrast in styles and program pedigrees. For the Titans, it’s a chance to prove their high-octane offense can win on the road. For the Eagles, it’s an opportunity to defend their home turf and announce their arrival as a serious force in Illinois high school football. The stage is set for an unforgettable night under the Friday night lights.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Glenbrook South vs Taft
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Taft High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

A Tale of Two Opening Victories

Glenbrook South, hailing from Glenview, kicked off their 2025 campaign with a heart-stopping, offensive-minded victory. The Titans put up 35 points in a shootout that saw them ultimately prevail 35-28. Their offense demonstrated a potent, quick-strike capability, scoring touchdowns in each of the first three quarters. The fact that they needed overtime to secure the win also shows a resilience and clutch factor that coaches love to see early in the season.

On the other side of the field, the Taft Eagles authored a statement win defined by absolute defensive dominance. Traveling on the road for their first game, the Eagles pitched a shutout, blanking their opponent 20-0. This kind of defensive performance is a massive confidence booster. It signals a disciplined, physical, and well-coached unit that knows how to finish games. While their offense put up a solid 20 points, the story of their season so far is written on the defensive side of the ball.

This creates the premier narrative for this matchup: the unstoppable force versus the immovable object. Can Glenbrook South’s high-scoring attack break through Taft’s formidable defense? Or will the Eagles’ defensive wall prove too tough for the Titans to crack?

Breaking Down the Glenbrook South Titans

The Titans, ranked 12th overall in Illinois and 4th in their class, are a team built on offensive firepower. Averaging 35 points per game, their attack is balanced and multi-faceted. They jumped on their opponent early, scoring 21 first-half points in their opener. This ability to establish a lead forces opponents to play from behind and potentially abandon their game plan.

A key for the Titans will be maintaining that offensive efficiency for all four quarters. Their Week 1 game saw them score 7 points in the first, second, third, and overtime periods, but they were held scoreless in the fourth quarter. Finishing drives and putting together a complete, sixty-minute performance will be crucial against a defense as stingy as Taft’s.

Head Coach David Schoenwetter will likely rely on his veteran leaders to set the tone. The team’s experience in a tight overtime win provides invaluable lessons in composure that can’t be taught in practice. They have already faced adversity and know what it takes to win a close game—a significant advantage in what many expect to be a competitive contest.

Scouting the Taft Eagles

Taft enters this game with a different kind of momentum: the swagger of a team that knows it can completely shut down an opponent. Their #160 state ranking belies the effectiveness of their defensive scheme. A 20-0 victory is impressive at any level of football, and it immediately commands respect.

The Eagles’ offense, while not as explosively scored as Glenbrook South’s, was effectively methodical in their opener. Putting up 20 points is more than enough to win when your defense doesn’t allow a single score. Their scoring pattern—0 points in the first half, 7 in the third, and 13 in the fourth—suggests a team that makes excellent halftime adjustments and wears down its opponents as the game progresses. Their conditioning and second-half execution could be a major factor against the Titans.

For Head Coach TJ Stockwell, the game plan will be clear: leverage that suffocating defense to control the tempo of the game. If the Eagles can force the Titans into long third-down situations and create a couple of turnovers, they can grind out a victory on their home field.

Key Matchups and Players to Watch

The outcome of this game will likely be decided in the trenches and on a few critical individual battles.

• Glenbrook South Offensive Line vs. Taft Defensive Front: This is the game within the game. Can the Titans’ O-line create running lanes and provide time for their quarterback to throw? Or will Taft’s defensive line, fresh off a shutout, live in the backfield and disrupt the Titans’ rhythm?

• Taft’s Secondary vs. Glenbrook South’s Receivers: If the Titans’ offensive line holds up, the battle downfield will be intense. The Eagles’ defensive backs will be tested early and often by the Titans’ passing attack. Look for how they communicate and handle coverage assignments on play-action passes.

• The Turnover Battle: It’s a cliché for a reason—it wins games. Taft’s defense will be hunting for strips and interceptions. Glenbrook South’s offense must protect the football at all costs. The team that wins the turnover margin will have a massive upper hand.

• Second-Half Adjustments: Both coaches showed strategic prowess in Week 1. Glenbrook South navigated overtime, and Taft dominated after halftime. Which coaching staff will make the better mid-game adjustments this week?

What’s at Stake?

Beyond the obvious goal of preserving an undefeated record, this game carries significant weight for the rest of the season.

For Glenbrook South, a win on the road against a tough, defensive-minded team would be a huge resume booster. It would validate their high state ranking and prove they can win gritty, physical games, not just shootouts. It builds momentum heading into the heart of their conference schedule.

For Taft, a victory over a top-15 state-ranked opponent would be program-defining. It would announce to the entire state that their Week 1 shutout was no fluke and that they are a legitimate contender. The confidence gained from such a win could propel them through the rest of their season.

Both teams have aspirations that extend far beyond the regular season. A quality win against a strong non-conference opponent is invaluable for playoff seeding and building a championship mentality.

How to Follow the Action

The energy at Taft High School will be electric for this 7:00 PM kickoff. For those who cannot attend in person, live updates will be essential. Both teams are seeking dedicated fans to serve as Live Reporters to provide real-time scoring and key play-by-play commentary for the community.

Fans can follow all the thrilling action from this game and stay updated on every snap across the state by visiting Illinois High School Football for comprehensive coverage of all Illinois High School Football events.

Prediction: A Friday Night Fight

Expect a physical, hard-hitting contest that may very well come down to the final possession. Glenbrook South’s offense is potent, but Taft’s defense is riding an incredible wave of confidence playing in front of their home crowd.

The Titans will look to strike early and silence the crowd, while the Eagles will aim to grind the game down, control the clock, and let their defense win the day. The team that better imposes its will and style of play will emerge victorious.

In what promises to be a classic, defensive strength often travels well, but offensive explosiveness is always a threat. This game has all the makings of an instant classic that fans will be talking about for weeks to come. Do not miss this incredible Week 2 showdown between the Glenbrook South Titans and the Taft Eagles.