LAGRANGE, IL — The lights of Bennett Field will burn bright this Friday night as two of Illinois’ premier high school football programs, the Wheaton-Warrenville South Tigers and the Lyons Lions, prepare to lock horns in a highly anticipated non-conference showdown. Scheduled for a 7:30 PM kickoff on September 5, 2025, this Week 2 matchup features a pair of undefeated teams fresh off commanding season-opening victories, setting the stage for an early-season classic.

For fans who cannot make it to LaGrange, digital tickets are available for purchase through GoFan. The game will also be broadcast live via the NFHS Network.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Wheaton-Warrenville South vs Lyons
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: York High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

A Tale of Two Opening Statements

Both teams entered the 2025 campaign with high expectations, and neither disappointed in their Week 1 performances. The Tigers of Wheaton-Warrenville South (1-0) made a thunderous statement, delivering a 57-0 shutout victory. Their offense operated with ruthless efficiency, scoring in every quarter and exploding for 27 points in the second quarter alone. The defensive unit was equally impressive, posting a zero on the scoreboard and establishing itself as a formidable force early in the season.

Meanwhile, the Lyons Lions (1-0) showcased their resilience in a hard-fought 24-14 win. Their offense found its rhythm in the second quarter, putting up 21 decisive points. While their defense bent at times, it made crucial stops when it mattered most, securing a valuable victory to build upon.

Breaking Down the Tigers’ Roar

Wheaton-Warrenville South arrives with significant momentum. Their national ranking of 1,686th might not tell the whole story, as their state (40th) and class (10th) rankings place them among Illinois’s competitive teams. The Tigers’ Week 1 offensive explosion, averaging 57.0 points per game, presents a multifaceted challenge for any opponent. The balanced scoring attack—putting up points in all four quarters—suggests a deep and well-conditioned squad that can sustain pressure for a full 48 minutes.

The key for Head Coach Ron Muhitch’s squad will be to replicate that offensive consistency against a sterner Lyons defense. The Tigers’ ability to control the clock and establish a dominant ground game early could be the formula for success on the road.

Deciphering the Lions’ Den

Lyons, however, is no easy out, especially on their home turf. Boasting a formidable #8 ranking in Illinois and a #3 ranking in their class, the Lions have the talent and pedigree to challenge anyone. Their national ranking of 488th underscores their status as a recognized power. The Lions’ victory, though not as lopsided as the Tigers’, demonstrated a potent scoring capability in bursts and a defense that knows how to secure a win.

Head Coach Jon Beutjer will likely focus on neutralizing the Tigers’ early momentum. The Lions cannot afford a slow start against an offense as explosive as Wheaton-Warrenville South’s. If Lyons can tighten up defensively, avoid the big plays that fueled the Tigers’ second-quarter barrage in Week 1, and efficiently manage their own offensive possessions, they have every tool necessary to defend their home field.

Key Matchups and What to Watch

This game will likely be decided in the trenches and by a few critical individual battles.

• WWS Offensive Line vs. Lyons Front Seven: Can the Tigers’ big men create running lanes and provide time for their quarterback against a Lions defense that will be looking to redeem itself after allowing 14 points? The battle at the line of scrimmage will set the tone for the entire game.

• Lyons’ Second-Half Adjustments: A curious trend emerged from the opening week stats. Lyons’ offense went silent in the second half, scoring only a field goal in the fourth quarter after a 21-point second quarter. Conversely, WWS dominated after halftime, adding 23 points. Which team makes the superior adjustments at the break?

• The Turnover Battle: In a matchup between two confident teams, a single turnover could swing the momentum. The team that protects the football and capitalizes on its opponent’s mistakes will gain a massive advantage.

• Home Field Advantage: The Lions will have the support of their home crowd at Bennett Field. How the young Tigers handle the pressure of a hostile environment in a tight game could be a defining factor.

Historical Context and Playoff Implications

While the specific head-to-head history between these two teams is not provided in the data, games of this caliber often have ripple effects that extend far beyond Week 2. For both squads, this non-conference clash is a perfect litmus test. A win here provides invaluable momentum and crucial playoff seeding points as they look ahead to their respective conference schedules and the postseason grind.

A victory for Lyons would solidify their top-10 state ranking and announce their seriousness as a Class 3 contender. For Wheaton-Warrenville South, a road win against a highly-ranked opponent would be a massive statement, proving their Week 1 performance was no fluke and catapulting them into the state’s conversation.

How to Follow the Action

The atmosphere at Bennett Field promises to be electric. Fans are encouraged to secure their digital tickets in advance through GoFan to ensure entry.

For those unable to attend in person, the game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Real-time updates, drive-by-drive analysis, and the final score will be available through various scoretracker services, with Gail Adams reporting on the Tigers.

Final Prediction

This matchup has all the ingredients of a classic. You have a potent, high-scoring offense in Wheaton-Warrenville South going against a stout, highly-ranked defense in Lyons. You have the intrigue of a road test versus a home stand. You have two teams with unblemished records and everything to prove.

While the Tigers’ offensive firepower is incredibly impressive, the Lions’ higher state ranking and home-field advantage cannot be ignored. This game will likely be much closer than either team’s opener, potentially coming down to the final possession. Expect a physical, hard-hitting contest where defense and timely scoring ultimately decide the outcome.

Look for Lyons to make key adjustments from their first game and put up a strong fight, but the sheer volume and consistency of the Wheaton-Warrenville South attack might prove too much to handle for four full quarters.

Final Score Prediction: Wheaton-Warrenville South 31, Lyons 28

No matter the result, Illinois high school football fans are in for a treat. This is exactly the type of high-stakes, early-season football that shapes great teams and creates lasting memories.

For more coverage on this game and all things related to Illinois high school football, stay locked to Illinois High School Football Insider.