The 2025 high school football season continues at the Gateway Scholars Classic in East St. Louis, IL, as the St. Francis Spartans (Wheaton, IL) face the Mt. Zion Prep Academy Warriors (Lanham, MD) in a neutral-site non-conference showdown on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1:30 PM. St. Francis enters the game unbeaten after a high-scoring opener, while Mt. Zion Prep looks to regroup after a tough 0-2 start.
Game Details
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Matchup: St. Francis (IL) vs. Mt. Zion Prep Academy (MD)
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Date & Time: Saturday, September 6, 2025 – 1:30 PM
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Location: Gateway Scholars Classic @ East St. Louis, IL
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Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Fans can purchase digital tickets through GoFan or stream the game live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).Watch here: Start your free trial today
St. Francis Spartans
The Spartans come into this matchup 1-0 after a thrilling 38-34 road win, proving their offensive firepower. Ranked #23 in Illinois and #1,045 nationally, St. Francis relies on an explosive attack capable of scoring in every quarter. Their balanced offense and clutch playmaking make them a dangerous opponent at the Classic.
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2025 Record: 1-0
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National Rank: #1,045
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State Rank (IL): #23
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Class Rank: #3
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Key to Win: Maintain offensive tempo and limit turnovers to keep Mt. Zion Prep chasing the scoreboard.
Main Squad:
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Luke Hanson – QB
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Carter O’Malley – RB
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Michael DeLuca – WR
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Tyler Brennan – WR/DB
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Anthony Russo – TE/LB
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James Whitaker – OL/DL
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Ryan Collins – LB
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Evan Perry – DB
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Dominic Cruz – RB
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Jackson Ford – DL
Mt. Zion Prep Academy Warriors
The Warriors enter Week 3 still searching for their first win after back-to-back losses. Ranked #41 in Maryland, they’ve managed just 7 points through two games, struggling to find consistency on offense. Playing on a neutral field, Mt. Zion Prep must find ways to generate explosive plays to keep pace with St. Francis’ high-scoring attack.
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2025 Record: 0-2
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National Rank: #3,196
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State Rank (MD): #41
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Key to Win: Establish early offensive rhythm, finish drives with points, and tighten defensive coverage against St. Francis’ versatile passing game.
Main Squad:
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Marcus Taylor – QB
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Jalen Scott – RB
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Isaiah Brooks – WR
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Terrence Hayes – WR/DB
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Cameron Johnson – TE/LB
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Elijah Ford – OL/DL
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Malik Robinson – LB
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Jordan Evans – DB
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Chris Wright – RB/LB
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Anthony Green – DL
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Francis | #1,045 | #23 (IL) | 1-0 |
| Mt. Zion Prep Academy | #3,196 | #41 (MD) | 0-2 |
MD Raj is passionate about high school sports and enjoys highlighting the efforts and achievements of student athletes. His goal is to inspire others with stories of teamwork and dedication.
