HS Football: Independence hosts Herbert Hoover in a battle of State Title hopefuls

Both teams return a roster loaded with talent

The red, white and blue will be prominent Thursday night when Independence hosts Hebert Hoover in an early season showdown of state championship contenders at George D. Cover Field.

Both powerhouse programs return a roster full of talent and will be looking to get off to a good start for the 2025 season.

The Huskies won last year's contest in Elkview, 37-30, erasing a 16-point halftime deficit in the process, after the game was delayed to nearly 9:30 p.m. due to weather.

Weather does not appear to be a factor this year with cooler temperatures and clear skied expected.

The MetroNews high school football power rankings has Herbert Hoover at No. 3 in Class AAA, while Independence is No. 2 in Class AA to start the season.

Patriots head coach John H. Lilly talked about the Thursday night battle in Coal City.