FRANKFORT, IL – A compelling non-conference matchup is set for Friday night under the lights as the Lincoln-Way East Griffins host the Kankakee Kays. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM at Lincoln-Way East High School, pitting a preseason state powerhouse against a program eager to prove its mettle after a tough opening week.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Kankakee vs Lincoln-Way East
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: Lincoln-Way East High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

The stark contrast in early-season momentum sets the stage for a classic high school football duel. The Griffins, entering the game with a pristine 1-0 record and a commanding No. 3 ranking in Illinois, look to continue their dominant ways on their home field. Meanwhile, the Kays (0-1) are hunting for redemption and a season-defining victory that would instantly reset their 2025 campaign.

Team Breakdown: A Tale of Two Openers

The opening week of the season provided a clear narrative for both squads.

The Lincoln-Way East Griffins were nothing short of spectacular in their Week 1 performance. They marched into their first game and executed a complete shutout, blanking their opponent 40-0. This decisive victory immediately cemented their status as a force to be reckoned with in Class 8A. The Griffins’ offense demonstrated a potent, multi-faceted attack, while their defense was an impenetrable wall, allowing zero points and establishing a tone of sheer dominance. This kind of opening statement sends a clear message to the entire state.

Conversely, the Kankakee Kays faced a steeper challenge out of the gate. They dropped their home opener, falling 33-12. The scoreline reveals a team that found moments of offensive spark—scoring six points in both the first and third quarters—but ultimately struggled to maintain consistency against a formidable opponent. Giving up 33 points indicates some early growing pains on the defensive side that the coaching staff will be urgent to address before facing an even more potent Griffin offense.

By The Numbers: Statistical Dominance vs. Early Struggle

A glance at the early season statistics highlights the challenge ahead for Kankakee:

• Lincoln-Way East Griffins: The numbers are eye-popping. They boast a perfect 1-0 record, a scoring average of 40.0 Points For (PF) per game, and a perfect defensive record of 0.0 Points Against (PA). Their national ranking of #140 and Illinois Class 8A ranking of #3 speak volumes about the program’s prestige and current form.

• Kankakee Kays: The Kays will need to find a quick fix. They average 12.0 PF, but a concerning 33.0 PA. As a ranked team within Illinois Class 7A (#30), the talent is there, but execution will be key against a top-tier opponent like Lincoln-Way East.

The sheer statistical dominance of the Griffins’ Week 1 performance, contrasted with the Kays’ struggles, creates an intriguing “nothing to lose” dynamic for the visiting team.

Key Matchups and What to Watch For

For Kankakee to pull off a stunning road upset, several things must click.

1. The Kankakee Defense vs. The Lincoln-Way East Offensive Machine:
The primary task for the Kays is finding an answer for a Griffin offense that scored at will in Week 1. Kankakee’s defensive front must find a way to generate pressure, disrupt the rhythm of the Lincoln-Way East quarterback, and create negative plays. The secondary will face its biggest test of the young season and must avoid giving up the big plays that can deflate a team on the road. Tackling in space will be absolutely critical against the Griffins’ skilled playmakers.

2. Establishing the Kankakee Ground Game:
The best defense against a high-powered offense is often a methodical, clock-controlling running game. If the Kays can establish a consistent ground attack, it will keep the Griffin offense on the sideline and manage the game’s tempo. Sustained drives that end in points, not just field position, are non-negotiable.

3. The Battle in the Trenches:
Football games are almost always won and lost at the line of scrimmage. The physicality of Lincoln-Way East is well-known. Kankakee’s offensive and defensive lines must match that intensity from the first snap. If the Griffins control the line on both sides of the ball, it could be a long night for the visitors.

4. The Mental Game:
How will Kankakee respond to early adversity? Playing in a hostile environment against a highly-ranked opponent can lead to mistakes if focus wavers. The Kays must play a disciplined game, avoid costly penalties, and capitalize on any opportunities the Griffins give them. For Lincoln-Way East, the challenge is avoiding any sense of complacency after their big win.

How to Catch the Action

For fans unable to make it to Frankfort, the game will be available via live stream on the NFHS Network. This is an excellent way for alumni, family, and dedicated football fans across the state to follow every snap of this exciting non-conference clash.

Digital tickets for this matchup are available for purchase in advance through GoFan, the official digital ticketing partner. This cashless, contactless system ensures easy and efficient entry into the stadium, allowing fans to focus on the action on the field.

For comprehensive coverage of this game and all things related to high school football across the state, make sure to follow the updates on Illinois High School Football Events.

Final Thoughts and Prediction

This game presents a fascinating study in contrast. Lincoln-Way East is a established juggernaut playing with supreme confidence in front of its home crowd. Their Week 1 shutout victory demonstrates a team operating at a high level early in the season.

Kankakee, however, is a talented team facing a classic early-season crossroads. A strong performance, or even an upset, against a team of Lincoln-Way East’s caliber would completely change the trajectory of their season. The pressure is entirely on the Griffins, and the Kays can play with a free and aggressive mentality.

While the odds and recent performance heavily favor Lincoln-Way East, the heart of a competitor is never to be underestimated. Kankakee will look to shock the Illinois high school football world and hand the Griffins their first loss.

Expect Lincoln-Way East to rely on its powerful running game and stifling defense to control the game. However, look for Kankakee to make adjustments and compete fiercely for all four quarters. The final score may be closer than some expect if the Kays can limit turnovers and sustain drives.

Prediction: Lincoln-Way East’s depth and defensive strength prove too much to overcome. Griffins win, but Kankakee shows significant improvement from Week 1.

Final Score: Lincoln-Way East 38, Kankakee 17

Be sure to tune in Friday at 6 PM for what promises to be a hard-hitting chapter in Illinois high school football.