MAHOMET, IL — The lights at Bulldog Field will shine brightly on a compelling non-conference showdown this Friday night as the Morris Redskins (1-0) make the trip to face the Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs (0-1). Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM in a matchup that pits a confident, early-season victor against a home squad desperate to right the ship after a heartbreaking Week 1 loss.

This early-season test offers both teams a critical opportunity to measure their mettle against quality opposition outside their respective conferences. For Morris, ranked 24th in Illinois Class 4A, it is a chance to prove their opening win was no fluke and build momentum. For the 97th-ranked Bulldogs, it represents a prime opportunity to defend their home turf, shake off a narrow defeat, and even their record in front of their fans.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Morris vs Mahomet-Seymour
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Fans across Illinois can follow all the action and stay updated on this game and many more at HS Football Insider’s Illinois High School Football hub.

Week 1 Recap: A Tale of Two Outcomes

The Redskins enter Week 2 riding high after a hard-fought 27-20 victory. While the final score shows a one-possession game, starting the season 1-0 is an invaluable confidence booster. Head Coach Alan Thorson will look to build on that winning formula, emphasizing discipline and execution to secure another road win.

Conversely, the Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs endured a brutal start to their 2025 campaign, falling 28-27 in a game that undoubtedly left them thinking about what could have been. A single point separated them from a victory on the road. That kind of loss can either demoralize a team or fuel a fierce, determined response. Head Coach Keith Pogue will have spent the week ensuring his squad leans toward the latter, using the sting of defeat to sharpen their focus for their home opener.

Key Matchups to Watch

The battle will be won and lost in the trenches and through individual duels across the field. Here are the key confrontations that could decide this pivotal game.

1. Morris’ Defensive Front vs. Mahomet-Seymour’s Ground Game

The Bulldogs’ offense in Week 1 was a powerhouse on the ground, amassing a staggering 269 rushing yards. This formidable rushing attack is the engine of their team. Slowing it down is priority number one for the Morris defense.

The Redskins’ defense will look to linebacker Talon Decker (#21), who was an absolute force in their opener. Decker recorded a monstrous 17 tackles, a number that leaps off the stat sheet and demonstrates his nose for the football and relentless motor. If he continues to play at that All-State level, he can single-handedly disrupt the Bulldogs’ rushing schemes. Supporting him on the pass rush will be Noah Frank (#2), who notched a sack in Week 1. The Morris defensive line must hold its ground to allow Decker to flow to the ball and prevent Mahomet-Seymour’s offensive line from controlling the line of scrimmage.

2. The Ryan Pruitt Show vs. The Bulldog Defense

For Morris, the offense runs through dynamic athlete Ryan Pruitt (#3). The junior playmaker is the unequivocal leader of the Redskins’ attack, acting as a true dual-threat quarterback. In Week 1, he accounted for all of Morris’s offensive production, rushing for 86 yards and adding another 34 through the air for a total of 120 all-purpose yards.

Containing Pruitt is the primary defensive objective for Mahomet-Seymour. The Bulldogs’ defense, which gave up 28 points in its first outing, must be disciplined in its pass rush lanes and sure in its tackles. Allowing Pruitt to escape the pocket and extend plays could be a recipe for disaster. The Bulldogs’ linebackers and secondary must be prepared for a full four quarters of pursuit against a elusive and talented quarterback.

3. The Battle for Field Position and Turnovers

In what projects to be a closely contested game, special teams and the turnover battle will likely be the difference. Neither team can afford to give away cheap points or squander promising drives with penalties and mistakes. The team that wins the field position battle, makes the most of its red-zone opportunities, and creates a key turnover or two will put itself in the driver’s seat for victory.

Players to Watch

Morris Redskins:

• #3 Ryan Pruitt (QB): The engine of the offense. His ability to create plays with his legs and arm makes the entire playbook available.

• #21 Talon Decker (LB): The defensive anchor. After a 17-tackle performance, all eyes will be on him to see if he can replicate that dominance.

• #11 Bryson Tiefenthaler (WR): Pruitt’s favorite target in Week 1, leading the team with 17 receiving yards. He could be in for a bigger role if the Bulldogs key too heavily on the run.

Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs:

• The Offensive Line: The unit that paved the way for 269 rushing yards must replicate that performance to establish their physical identity.

• The Linebacking Corps: This group bears the responsibility of spying on and containing Ryan Pruitt. Their discipline and tackling will be tested all night long.

• The Home Crowd: While not a player on the stat sheet, the Bulldog faithful can provide a tangible energy boost for a team looking to spark its season.

X-Factors and Intangibles

Home Field Advantage: This isn’t just the home opener for Mahomet-Seymour; it’s a chance for redemption in front of their community. The energy from the student section and the community could provide a significant emotional lift, especially if the game remains close in the second half.

Response to Adversity: How will each team handle momentum swings? Morris must withstand an early surge from a hungry home team. Mahomet-Seymour must avoid frustration if a few plays don’t go their way. The team that plays the most composed, disciplined football for all four quarters will prevail.

Coaching Adjustments: This game will be a chess match between the two coaching staffs. The halftime adjustments will be crucial. How does Morris scheme to slow down the run? How does Mahomet-Seymour adjust if Pruitt starts breaking contain? The staff that best counters their opponent’s strategy will put their team in a position to win.

Prediction and Outlook

This game has all the makings of a classic, hard-nosed Illinois high school football battle. On paper, it is incredibly even, with both teams averaging exactly 27 points per game. The difference will come down to execution in critical moments.

Morris brings the confidence of a win and a bona fide star in Ryan Pruitt. However, traveling to face a desperate, physical team in its home opener is a formidable challenge.

Mahomet-Seymour possesses a devastating running game and the motivation that comes from a painful, narrow loss. They will be laser-focused and play with a high level of intensity from the opening kickoff.

The Bulldogs’ ability to control the clock and the tempo with their ground game might be the deciding factor. If they can establish the run early, they can keep Pruitt and the Morris offense on the sidelines, manage the game, and grind out a victory in front of their home crowd.

Final Score Prediction: Mahomet-Seymour 24, Morris 21

In a back-and-forth affair, the Bulldogs’ rushing attack and home-field energy will make just enough plays to edge out the Redskins, securing a hard-earned first win of the season.

Be sure to follow every snap, tackle, and touchdown live from Mahomet. For comprehensive coverage, live updates, and post-game analysis of this game and every major matchup across the state, keep your browser locked on HS Football Insider.