Home Internet Trend Stories 1

5 Reasons The Oak Park Fenwick Football Rivalry Is Must-Watch IHSA Action (2025 Update)

• minute read
Contents

The "Crosstown Classic" between the Oak Park and River Forest High School Huskies (OPRF) and the Fenwick High School Friars remains one of the most intense and compelling rivalries in Illinois High School Association (IHSA) football. As of December 20, 2025, the focus shifts from the dramatic 2024 season—which saw a definitive Fenwick victory—to the anticipation of a major turnaround from the OPRF Dog Pound and the continued dominance of the Friar Nation under a relatively new coaching staff.

This legendary Oak Park football matchup, which was dormant for decades before its revival, serves as a powerful litmus test for both programs, setting the tone for their conference and postseason aspirations. The 2024 season provided fresh narratives, key player breakouts, and a clear path forward for both schools as they prepare for the 2025 campaign, with the Friars competing in the CCL/ESCC White and the Huskies battling in the West Suburban Conference.

The Definitive 2024 Rivalry Score and Key Player Profiles

The most recent varsity showdown between the OPRF Huskies and the Fenwick Friars took place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, in the Week 1 non-conference opener. This game, played at OPRF, was highly anticipated as the two Oak Park institutions faced off once again.

The 2024 Varsity Scoreline: Fenwick Dominates

In a surprising turn for the Huskies, the Fenwick Friars secured a decisive victory, shutting out their crosstown rivals. The final score was:

  • Fenwick Friars: 30
  • OPRF Huskies: 0

The victory was a major statement for Fenwick, setting a positive trajectory for their 2024 season. For OPRF, led by Head Coach John Hoerster, the game highlighted the need for significant improvement after a challenging 1-8 record in the previous 2023-2024 season.

Key Fenwick Friars Entities (2024-2025)

The Friars’ success in 2024, which saw them finish with an impressive 8-3 record and a trip to the IHSA Class 7A playoffs, was driven by a talented roster and a new coaching philosophy.

  • Head Coach: Matt Battaglia. Battaglia took over as head coach, bringing a fresh, modern approach to the program. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to a strong postseason run.
  • Key Players: The roster featured key contributors like Xavier Dubois, Frankie Hosty, Treston Smith, and Patrick Gilboy. Senior co-captain Tommy Thies also played a significant role in the Friars' success.
  • Postseason Run: Fenwick’s 2024 season ended in the second round of the IHSA playoffs with a close 13-10 loss to Downers Grove North (DGN) on November 9, 2024, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest Class 7A level.

Key OPRF Huskies Entities (2024-2025)

The OPRF Huskies, who compete in the challenging West Suburban Conference, are focused on a program turnaround under their long-tenured coach.

  • Head Coach: John Hoerster. Entering his 15th season, Coach Hoerster continues to lead the Huskies, emphasizing a "grinding" mentality to improve the team's record.
  • Key Players: Roster leaders included Joseph Leshnock, Daniel Taylor, Chris Crape, and quarterback Jack Gooch, who is known for his dual-threat capabilities.
  • The Goal: After a difficult 2023-2024 season, the 2024 campaign was all about building a foundation for future success, with the team determined to improve their standing in the competitive West Suburban Silver Division.

5 Reasons The OPRF vs. Fenwick Rivalry Matters Now More Than Ever

The annual clash between the public school powerhouse (OPRF) and the private Catholic school rival (Fenwick) transcends a simple football game. It is a cultural event for the entire Oak Park community, driving massive attendance and intense local media coverage.

1. The Return of a Dormant, Deep-Rooted Rivalry

For decades, the OPRF vs. Fenwick game was a fixture. However, scheduling conflicts and conference differences led to a long hiatus, with the teams not meeting on the gridiron for a varsity contest for over 25 years, since 1989. Its recent revival has reignited a passion that was simmering for a generation. The game is now a spectacle, drawing large mobs of fans dressed in the orange and blue of OPRF and the black and white of Fenwick.

2. A Battle of Coaching Philosophies

The 2024 season marked a fascinating contrast in coaching styles. On the OPRF sideline, you have the veteran stability of John Hoerster, a coach with over a decade of experience guiding the Huskies. Across the field, Fenwick introduced Matt Battaglia, a new head coach who came in with a modern, high-energy approach, immediately leading the Friars to a strong season. This dynamic creates a compelling tactical battle that fans closely follow.

3. The IHSA Class and Conference Showdown

The rivalry pits two teams from different, yet equally challenging, IHSA landscapes against one another. Fenwick, a perennial contender, plays in the highly competitive CCL/ESCC White Conference and competes in IHSA Class 7A. OPRF, a large public school, battles in the West Suburban Conference. The non-conference Week 1 matchup provides a crucial measuring stick for both teams to gauge their readiness for their respective grueling conference schedules and potential playoff classifications.

4. The Quest for OPRF’s Turnaround

The narrative of the OPRF Huskies is one of rebuilding and seeking a return to playoff contention. After a difficult 2023-2024 season, the team is focused on proving their potential. The rivalry game is not just another contest; it’s an opportunity for players like Jack Gooch and Khalil Nichols to deliver a statement victory that could galvanize their season and demonstrate that the "Dog Pound" is ready for a major turnaround in 2025.

5. A Showcase for Future College Talent

Both OPRF and Fenwick are known for producing high-level college football recruits. The rivalry game is often scouted by college programs, making it a high-stakes audition for key players. The intense atmosphere and crosstown pride push players to their peak performance, giving spectators a glimpse of future Division I talent. The success of players like Xavier Dubois and Treston Smith on the Fenwick side, and the development of OPRF's young talent, are central to the rivalry's continued relevance.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

With the 2024 IHSA football season concluded, the focus now shifts to the 2025 campaign. The Fenwick Friars, coming off a strong 8-3 season, will look to maintain their momentum and make a deeper run in the Class 7A playoffs. The foundation laid by Coach Matt Battaglia's first full season provides a strong base for the future.

For the OPRF Huskies, the 2025 season will be a critical opportunity to execute the turnaround Head Coach John Hoerster has been working toward. A victory in the next installment of the rivalry would be more than just a win; it would be a symbolic moment of resurgence for the OPRF program. The entire Oak Park community eagerly awaits the next chapter of this storied and intense football rivalry.

5 Reasons The Oak Park Fenwick Football Rivalry Is Must-Watch IHSA Action (2025 Update)
oak park fenwick football
oak park fenwick football

Detail Author:

  • Name : Whitney Williamson
  • Username : virgil48
  • Email : hadley07@hotmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1995-01-22
  • Address : 37574 Gutmann Mountains Jaunitatown, MO 76592-2077
  • Phone : +1.203.801.7407
  • Company : Stanton-Cremin
  • Job : Statistical Assistant
  • Bio : Doloribus voluptates voluptatum magnam labore. Veniam consequatur ratione quod nemo velit.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/carmelosawayn
  • username : carmelosawayn
  • bio : Sed cumque et iste quae enim vel. Dolorum quo sunt laborum voluptates at.
  • followers : 2703
  • following : 2365

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@sawaync
  • username : sawaync
  • bio : Molestiae itaque voluptatibus laboriosam.
  • followers : 3070
  • following : 2437

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/sawaync
  • username : sawaync
  • bio : Tempore blanditiis odit qui beatae et rerum. Temporibus dolor et numquam similique et. Doloremque et molestiae est quos officiis ut earum molestias.
  • followers : 4603
  • following : 187

linkedin:

facebook:

Random Posts