Chicago Public League football action kicks off Thursday afternoon as the Kennedy Crusaders host the Clemente Wildcats in a non-conference matchup at CPS Rockne Stadium. Both teams enter the 2025 season evenly matched and eager to notch their first win.
Game Details
- Matchup: Clemente (Chicago, IL) vs Kennedy (Chicago, IL)
- Date & Time: Thursday, August 28, 2025 – 4:15 PM
- Location: CPS Rockne Stadium, Chicago, IL
- Live Coverage: Stream the game live on the NFHS Network
- Tickets: Available digitally through GoFan
Fans can attend in person by purchasing digital tickets on GoFan or stream the action live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).
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Clemente Wildcats
The Wildcats start 2025 ranked #13,045 nationally, #475 in Illinois, and #32 in their class. Clemente will look to play with grit and determination, using their speed and defensive effort to stay competitive. Limiting mistakes and converting scoring chances will be essential in this tight matchup.
- 2025 Record: 0-0
- National Rank: #13,045
- State Rank: #475 (IL)
- Class Rank: #32
- Strengths: Speed, defensive energy, competitive spirit
- Key to Win: Play disciplined football and take advantage of turnovers
Kennedy Crusaders
Kennedy enters ranked #12,471 nationally, #454 in Illinois, and also #32 in their class. With home-field advantage at Rockne Stadium, the Crusaders will aim to use their physicality and crowd support to control the game. Their ability to dominate time of possession and sustain drives could give them the edge.
- 2025 Record: 0-0
- National Rank: #12,471
- State Rank: #454 (IL)
- Class Rank: #32
- Strengths: Physical play, home-field advantage, resilience
- Key to Win: Control possession and wear down Clemente’s defense
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Class Rank | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemente Wildcats | 13,045 | 475 (IL) | 32 | 0-0 |
| Kennedy Crusaders | 12,471 | 454 (IL) | 32 | 0-0 |
Melvin Smith is a high school sports enthusiast with a passion for capturing the energy of student competitions. He enjoys sharing stories that celebrate athletes’ dedication and the community spirit of the game.