GURNEE, IL – Under the bright Friday night lights at Warren Township’s O’Plaine Campus, a compelling non-conference showdown awaits. The Warren Township Blue Devils (1-0), fresh off a thrilling season-opening victory, host the traditionally powerful Maine South Hawks (0-1), a team hungry for redemption after a uncharacteristic Week 1 shutout. This 7:30 PM kickoff is more than just a game; it’s a statement opportunity for both programs.
The narrative for this matchup could not be more different for each sideline. Warren Township enters with immense momentum, riding high after a 43-36 road victory that showcased a breathtaking offensive explosion. Conversely, Maine South is in unfamiliar territory, licking its wounds after a daunting 40-0 defeat to open their 2025 campaign.
What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Maine South vs Warren Township
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Warren (O’Plaine Campus)
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
For fans unable to secure a seat in the stands, digital tickets are available for purchase at GoFan, and the game will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network.
Warren’s Offensive Juggernaut: The Aaron Stewart Show
The story of Warren Township’s early season begins and ends with senior running back Aaron Stewart. The standout athlete didn’t just have a good game in Week 1; he authored a masterpiece. Stewart gashed defenses for a staggering 455 rushing yards and found the end zone five times, accounting for 36 of his team’s 43 points. His performance wasn’t just a career-high; it was a declaration to the entire state of Illinois.
Stewart’s 455-yard outing is a number that puts him in elite company and immediately makes him the focal point of every defensive game plan moving forward. His blend of vision, power, and breakaway speed makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. The Blue Devils’ offensive line deserves significant credit, opening massive lanes that Stewart exploited with ruthless efficiency.
While the ground game dominated, quarterback Reed Dangel provided an efficient passing threat, adding 55 yards through the air. His primary target, Simon Castillo, hauled in 27 of those yards. This balanced attack, though heavily leaning on the run in Week 1, keeps defenses honest. With Stewart in the backfield, even the threat of a play-action pass becomes exponentially more dangerous.
Defensively, the Blue Devils were led by linebacker Javon Brisker, who racked up an impressive 9 tackles. The defensive line, anchored by Cayden Janczewski, who recorded a sack, will be tasked with disrupting Maine South’s efforts to establish any rhythm.
Maine South: A Tradition of Excellence Facing Early Adversity
For the Maine South Hawks, a program built on a foundation of success and discipline, a 40-0 loss is a seismic event. The Hawks, ranked 16th in the state despite the loss due to their formidable reputation, will be looking to prove that Week 1 was an anomaly, not a trend.
The statistics from their opener are jarring. Being shut out is a rare occurrence for a Hawks offense known for its precision and execution. The challenge now falls on Head Coach David Inserra and his staff to rally the troops and correct the course. There is no panic in Park Ridge, only a determined focus on improvement.
The specific offensive leaders for Maine South are not listed in the provided data, indicating a struggle across the board. This week’s practices have undoubtedly focused on shoring up protection, establishing a running game, and finding playmakers who can move the chains. The Hawks will need a complete offensive recalibration to compete with Warren’s firepower.
The defense, which surrendered 40 points, faces its own tall task: slowing down the seemingly unstoppable Aaron Stewart. Containing a back of his caliber requires disciplined gap control, sure tackling, and a collective effort from all eleven players on every single down. This unit will be tested early and often.
Keys to the Game
For Warren Township:
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Feed the Star: The game plan is simple: give the ball to Aaron Stewart. Continue to leverage his hot hand and use the offensive line’s dominance to control the clock and tempo of the game.
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Avoid the Letdown: The biggest danger for Warren is emotional complacency. After a huge win and a headline-grabbing performance, they must guard against a mental lapse against a proud, desperate Maine South team.
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Apply Pressure: If Maine South’s offense is out of sync, Warren’s defense must capitalize. Bringing consistent pressure from Janczewski and others could force turnovers and give Stewart even more opportunities.
For Maine South:
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Rediscover Identity: The Hawks must return to their core principles: mistake-free football, strong line play, and executing their system. They need to play Maine South football, not try to match Warren score-for-score in a shootout.
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Bend, Don’t Break on Defense: Completely shutting down Stewart may be unrealistic. The defensive goal should be to contain him, limit explosive plays, and force Warren into third-and-long situations where they must rely on their less-proven passing attack.
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Win the Turnover Battle: The quickest way for an underdog to gain momentum is through takeaways. Forcing a fumble or an interception could provide the spark the Hawks desperately need to believe they can win.
The X-Factor: Pride vs. Momentum
This matchup transcends statistics. It’s a battle of emotion. Warren Township is playing with the supreme confidence of a team that knows it has a game-changing weapon. The energy in their home opener will be electric.
Maine South, however, is playing with the pride of a storied program. They have a legacy to uphold and a point to prove. Being counted out is a foreign feeling, and a team of Hawks’ caliber is at its most dangerous when cornered. They will be prepared, focused, and highly motivated to show the state that they are still the Maine South of old.
How to Watch Maine South vs. Warren Township
This highly anticipated Illinois high school football matchup kicks off at 7:30 PM on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Warren Township High School’s O’Plaine Campus in Gurnee, IL.
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Tickets: In keeping with the modern era of high school sports, digital tickets are available exclusively through GoFan.co. Fans are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets online in advance to ensure entry and avoid lines at the gate.
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Live Stream: Can’t make it to Gurnee? The game will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network. Subscribers can tune in to catch all the action in real-time.
For continued coverage of this game and all the latest from across the state, be sure to follow the action at HS Football Insider – Illinois, your home for Illinois high school football news, scores, and analysis.
Prediction: A Classic in the Making
On paper, Warren Township holds every advantage. They have the best player on the field, all the momentum, and are playing at home. Their offense looks unstoppable, while Maine South’s is searching for answers.
However, discounting Maine South is a perilous endeavor. Their program’s resilience is legendary. Expect a much more physical, disciplined, and passionate performance from the Hawks. They will make adjustments and challenge Warren in a way they did not see in Week 1.
The key will be whether Maine South’s defense can find a way to limit Stewart’s explosive plays. If they can hold him to a “mere” 150-200 yards and keep the game within reach by halftime, their experience and coaching could take over in the second half.
Ultimately, Warren’s offensive line and Stewart’s transcendent talent might be too much to handle for a Hawks team still finding its footing. This game will be closer than the records suggest, but the Blue Devils’ firepower should prevail in a hard-fought battle.
Final Score Prediction: Warren Township 31, Maine South 21
This game promises to be a memorable chapter in the early 2025 Illinois high school football season. Will Warren Township announce itself as a true state contender, or will Maine South reaffirm its enduring excellence? The only certainty is that Friday night in Gurnee will be pure, unadulterated football.
