Introduction to the Game
St. Francis’ bus ride back to Wheaton will be longer and happier than Kenwood’s short ride north from Gately Stadium, but both teams will sit back and reflect on a season opener in which they flashed tremendous potential and heart.
The Comeback
The No. 18 Spartans came back to win 38-34 on Thursday thanks to a four-yard touchdown pass from Brock Phillip to Dario Milivojevic with 12 seconds left. “We just believed in ourselves in that moment and made it happen,” Phillip said. St. Francis trailed 34-24 after Kenwood’s Kenyonte Louis scampered for a 9-yard TD run late in the third quarter.
Team Performance
“We made a couple of mistakes in that third quarter and then in the fourth we started gaining momentum,” Milivojevic said. “We had to persevere and drive through and win that football game.” It was the first start for Phillip, a senior transfer from Geneva. “I have a lot to prove,” Phillip said. “I’m excited about that and to be part of this team and everything we have going on here.” Phillip was 18-for-24 for 311 yards and four touchdowns.
Chemistry and Adjustments
“We have great on and off field chemistry with Brock, but it’s about adjusting to the game atmosphere,” Milivojevic said. “On the road, first game ever with him. We just needed some time, and then we did alright.”
St. Francis’ Brock Phillip (1) looks for a receiver against Kenwood.
Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times
Key Players and Statistics
Milivojevic had six receptions for 114 yards and two touchdowns. Tanner Glock caught eight passes for 137 yards and one touchdown. Michigan State recruit Zach Washington caught a 23-yard TD pass in the third quarter to pull St. Francis within 28-24. The Spartans needed all of those aerial fireworks because Kenwood’s defensive line was stout. The Broncos held St. Francis to -30 rushing yards. Junior Aaron Smith and senior Kameron Love each sacked Phillips twice. Kenwood had six sacks overall.
Coach’s Perspective
“We’d like to have a little more depth on defense, but the guys we have are conditioned well and they fight to the end,” Broncos coach Chris Goffer said. It was a back-and-forth game. St. Francis led 14-0 in the second quarter. Kenwood led 21-14 at halftime after a touchdown run from Jayvon Anderson (11 carries, 75 yards) and two from Louis (16 carries, 83 yards). “We lost this game last year by six points, and we’ve been waiting for it,” Goffer said. “I still don’t feel like they beat us. We beat ourselves in the end.”
Turn of Events
Kenwood had the ball and a 34-31 lead with 4:40 left in the game. The Broncos picked up back-to-back delay of game penalties and then St. Francis blocked their punt. “[Kenwood] definitely surprised a lot of people,” Milivojevic said. “They have some great playmakers, and [Louis] is really good.” Kenwood had 2 TDs called back for holding on the opening drive. Then St. Francis strikes first. Brock Phillip to Tanner Glock for a 50-yard TD. St. Francis 7, Kenwood 0 pic.twitter.com/DQA9oXvNM1— Michael O’Brien (@michaelsobrien) August 29, 2025
Conclusion
The game between St. Francis and Kenwood showcased the potential and heart of both teams. Despite trailing, St. Francis managed to come back and win 38-34, thanks to the connection between Brock Phillip and Dario Milivojevic in the final seconds. The teams’ performances and the back-and-forth nature of the game made for an exciting season opener.
FAQs
- Q: Who were the key players in the game?
A: Brock Phillip, Dario Milivojevic, Tanner Glock, and Zach Washington were some of the key players. - Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score was 38-34 in favor of St. Francis. - Q: What was the turning point in the game?
A: The turning point was when St. Francis blocked Kenwood’s punt with 4:40 left in the game, leading to their comeback. - Q: How did Kenwood’s defensive line perform?
A: Kenwood’s defensive line was stout, holding St. Francis to -30 rushing yards and sacking Phillips six times. - Q: What did the coaches say about the game?
A: Coach Chris Goffer mentioned that the guys they have are conditioned well and fight to the end, but they would like more depth on defense.
