CHICAGO, IL — The lights of CPS Gately Stadium will illuminate a crucial early-season battle tonight as the Thornwood Thunderbirds travel north to face the Corliss Trojans in a non-conference showdown. Both teams enter this Week 2 matchup with identical 0-1 records, amplifying the stakes for a victory. Kickoff is set for 7:15 PM.
What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Thornwood vs Corliss
When: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Where: CPS Gately Stadium
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
For two programs hungry to flip the script on their young seasons, this game represents more than just a non-league contest. It’s a prime opportunity to build momentum, correct Week 1 mistakes, and grab that first elusive win of the 2025 campaign.
A Tale of Two Week 1 Heartbreaks
Neither team had the start they envisioned, but both showed flashes of potential that ended in narrow defeats.
The Thornwood Thunderbirds, hailing from South Holland, engaged in a high-scoring shootout that ultimately saw them fall short, 35-30. The offense demonstrated a potent, quick-strike capability, putting up 30 points, but the defense will be looking to tighten up after surrendering 35. Their scoring breakdown reveals a team that fights for a full four quarters, putting up points in every quarter of their opening game.
Meanwhile, the Corliss Trojans, on their home turf at Gately, suffered a tough 17-14 loss. Their story was one of a strong start that faded after halftime. The Trojans jumped out to a 14-point lead in the first half but were then shut out in the second, a trend Head Coach will be desperate to reverse tonight. The defense, however, was stout, holding their opponent to 17 points—a performance that could spell trouble for an opposing offense if replicated.
Key Matchups and Players to Watch
The game will likely be decided in the trenches and by which team can establish dominance early.
Thornwood’s Offense vs. Corliss’s Defense: The Thunderbirds’ offense averages a robust 30 points per game. Their balanced scoring across all quarters indicates a versatile attack that can adapt. They will test a Corliss defense that proved it can be resilient, especially in the red zone. If Corliss can replicate their second-half shutdown performance from Week 1 for a full game, they can stifle the Thunderbirds’ momentum.
Corliss’s Offense vs. Thornwood’s Defense: The Trojans must solve their second-half woes. After a promising first half where they scored all 14 of their points, the offense went silent. They need to find a way to sustain drives and put points on the board after halftime. They will be going up against a Thornwood defense that gave up 35 points in its opener and will be playing with a point to prove.
The Momentum Battle: With both teams coming off deflating losses, the first quarter will be critical. Which team can shake off the memory of Week 1 and impose their will first? An early score could provide the confidence boost needed to control the game’s tempo.
The Intangibles: Home Field and History
CPS Gately Stadium is a iconic venue for high school football in Chicago, and the Corliss Trojans will look to use that home-field advantage to their benefit. Playing in a familiar environment under the bright lights can provide an emotional lift, especially for a team looking to protect its home turf after a narrow loss.
For Thornwood, the short trip to Chicago presents a challenge: can they bring their own energy on the road and silence the home crowd? A victory away from South Holland would be a significant character-building win for this squad.
While the historical head-to-head record between these two schools appears even at 0-0, tonight’s game will write the first chapter in this new non-conference rivalry. Every great rivalry has to start somewhere, and a hard-fought, down-to-the-wire game would be the perfect beginning.
How to Follow the Action
Digital Ticketing: In keeping with the modern era of high school sports, this game will feature digital ticketing exclusively. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead and purchase their tickets online via GoFan to ensure a smooth entry into Gately Stadium. Avoid the lines and secure your seat for what promises to be an exciting matchup.
Live Updates: Can’t make it to the game? Stay connected with live, real-time updates throughout the evening. Follow the action play-by-play as it happens.
For comprehensive coverage of this game and all Illinois High School Football events throughout the season, make HS Football Insider your go-to destination for scores, stats, and news.
The Bottom Line
The records may show two winless teams, but that oversimplifies the narrative. This is a clash between Thornwood’s persistent offense and Corliss’s resilient defense. It’s a battle between a team that finished strong and a team that started strong. Both squads have clear areas for improvement identified from their first games, and the team that executes their adjustments best will likely emerge victorious.
Expect a physical, emotional, and hard-fought game from opening kickoff to the final whistle. Neither the Thunderbirds nor the Trojans want to face an 0-2 hole, and that sense of urgency will be on full display under the Thursday night lights.
Prediction: This game has all the makings of a classic, back-and-forth affair that could be decided by a single possession. Whichever team wins the turnover battle and makes key plays in the fourth quarter will secure their first win of the season.
Be sure to tune in and witness the action as the Thornwood Thunderbirds and the Corliss Trojans leave everything on the field at Gately Stadium.
