COUNTRY CLUB HILLS, IL – The lights at Hillcrest High School will burn bright under the Friday night sky as the Hawks (0-1) prepare to host the formidable Montini Catholic Broncos (1-0) in a compelling non-conference Week 2 showdown. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM on September 5, 2025, promising a hard-hitting affair between two Illinois programs eager to define their early-season trajectories.
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What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Montini Catholic vs Hillcrest
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: Hillcrest High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
The Stakes: Redemption vs. Momentum
This game presents a classic early-season dichotomy. The Montini Catholic Broncos enter with confidence, fresh off a hard-fought 20-16 victory that showcased both their resilience and areas for improvement. A 1-0 start is exactly the foundation Head Coach and his staff wanted, but navigating a tricky road test against a hungry opponent is the next step in proving their mettle.
Conversely, the Hillcrest Hawks are staring down an 0-2 start after a tough 18-8 loss on the road. The home opener offers a prime opportunity for redemption. A victory against a state-ranked opponent like Montini would not only even their record but also inject a massive dose of belief into the entire program. The Hawks will be playing with passion, backed by what is expected to be an energetic home crowd.
Team Breakdown: Montini Catholic Broncos
The Broncos, ranked #18 in Illinois and #1 in their class, leveraged a balanced attack to secure their Week 1 win. While the final score was close, the team demonstrated the kind of clutch performance that defines winning programs.
Offensively, all eyes are on dynamic junior quarterback Anthony Bradley. Bradley isn’t just a passer; he’s the engine of the Broncos’ offense. In the opener, he accounted for a staggering 126 total yards—100 through the air and 18 on the ground. His dual-threat capability forces defenses to remain honest and creates opportunities for his playmakers. His favorite target, senior wideout Maurice Garrett, exploded for 80 receiving yards, establishing himself as a deep threat and a reliable option on critical downs.
Defensively, Montini Catholic showed a ferocious side, recording three sacks as a unit. Senior linebacker Jayden Lucas anchored the defense with a team-high 7 tackles, flying to the ball and setting a physical tone. The defensive line, led by Ricky Wallace and his 1.5 sacks, consistently applied pressure, a trend they will look to continue against Hillcrest.
Team Breakdown: Hillcrest Hawks
Despite an 0-1 start, the Hillcrest Hawks have reasons for optimism, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Hawks’ defense swarmed to the ball in their first outing, amassing an impressive 49 total tackles. This level of activity indicates a well-conditioned, aggressive unit that will look to disrupt Bradley’s rhythm and shut down the Broncos’ ground game.
The challenge for Hillcrest lies in igniting its offense. Managing only 137 total yards (29 rushing, 108 passing) and 8 points in Week 1, the Hawks must find more consistency to compete with a team of Montini’s caliber. Establishing a run game early will be crucial to taking pressure off the quarterback and controlling the time of possession, keeping the Broncos’ potent offense on the sideline.
Hillcrest’s path to an upset hinges on their defense creating turnovers and short fields for their offense. Another 49-tackle performance, coupled with a few key stops on third down, could swing momentum in their favor.
Key Matchups to Watch
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Montini QB Anthony Bradley vs. Hillcrest’s Tackling Brigade: Can Bradley’s elusiveness and arm talent overcome the Hawks’ relentless, tackle-heavy defense? If Hillcrest’s defenders, who averaged over 49 tackles per game, can wrap up Bradley and contain Garrett, they can stifle the Broncos’ attack.
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The Trenches: Montini’s offensive line, which allowed a sack last week, must handle a Hillcrest defensive front that proved it can get after the quarterback. The battle in the pit will dictate the flow of the entire game.
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Hillcrest’s Offensive Efficiency vs. Montini’s Front Seven: The Hawks must find a way to move the chains against a Broncos defense that bends but doesn’t break. Converting third downs and finishing drives with touchdowns, not field goals, is non-negotiable.
What the Numbers Say
The statistical comparison reveals the story of two contrasting teams:
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Offensive Output: Montini averages 20.0 points per game to Hillcrest’s 8.0.
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Defensive Prowess: Hillcrest’s defense averages a whopping 49.0 tackles per game, indicating a high-motor unit. Montini’s defense makes its presence felt in the backfield with 3.0 sacks per game.
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Experience Edge: Montini has already proven it can win a close game, a invaluable trait for a young season.
Prediction and Outlook
This matchup has all the ingredients for a classic Friday night battle. Montini Catholic arrives as the favorite, boasting a top-tier playmaker and the confidence of a Week 1 win. However, they are traveling to face a desperate, physical Hillcrest team defending its home turf with a defense that refuses to go down easily.
The Hawks will keep this game competitive through the first half, fueled by their defensive intensity. However, the difference will likely be the explosive-play capability of Anthony Bradley. Expect Montini to make just enough big plays in the second half—a long pass to Garrett or a critical scramble by Bradley—to pull away.
Final Score Prediction: Montini Catholic 24, Hillcrest 13
The Broncos will improve to 2-0, but Hillcrest will prove they are a tougher out than their record might suggest.
How to Follow the Action
Can’t make it to Country Club Hills? Both schools are seeking live reporters to provide real-time updates on the score and key plays. For fans across the state, you can follow all the thrilling action from this game and every other Illinois matchup right here at HS Football Insider. We bring you the latest scores, stats, and stories throughout the season.
