As the late August sun dipped behind the stadium lights across Minnesota and Alabama, the 2025 high school fall sports season burst into action with a flurry of goals, touchdowns, and renewed hopes. From the soccer fields of Byron to the football turf of Lowndes County, players, coaches, and fans alike felt that familiar rush of anticipation and possibility that only opening week can deliver. With reigning champions defending their crowns and hungry challengers looking to shake up the standings, the stage is set for another unforgettable year.
In Byron, Minnesota, the girls’ soccer team wasted no time reminding everyone why they’re the reigning Section 1AA champions. On August 23, 2025, the Bears launched their new campaign with a dominant 5-0 victory over St. Peter, picking up right where they left off last season. The scoreboard told a story of offensive firepower and defensive discipline, but it was the names behind the goals that had the home crowd buzzing.
Alysa Ayen, who’s quickly becoming a household name among Byron supporters, found the back of the net twice in a performance that showcased her instinct and composure. Not to be outdone, teammates Raegen Kelm, Madison Ohm, and Kylie Johnson each chipped in with a goal apiece, spreading the wealth and keeping the St. Peter defense guessing all night. The Bears’ crisp passing, relentless pressure, and clinical finishing sent a clear message: this squad isn’t satisfied with last year’s glory—they’re aiming even higher.
"We wanted to set the tone early and show we’re still a force in the section," Ayen said after the match, her jersey streaked with grass stains and a beaming smile on her face. According to KTTC, the Bears are already looking ahead to their next challenge, a road game against Waseca scheduled for Saturday, August 30. With momentum on their side and a balanced attack, Byron’s title defense appears to be in full swing.
Meanwhile, down in Alabama, Friday night lights illuminated the start of the gridiron season for teams across Lowndes County. The energy was palpable as fans filled the bleachers, band members tuned up their instruments, and players laced up their cleats. The Calhoun Tigers, led by head coach Ervin Starr, opened their season with a tough road test against the Keith Bears in Orrville. It was a matchup with history—just last year, Calhoun fell to Keith in a nail-biter, 10-8, to start their 2024 campaign.
This time around, the Tigers entered the contest with a roster shaped by change and determination. Having graduated three seniors in May, Calhoun fielded nine players for the opener, placing faith in a mix of upperclassmen leadership and youthful promise. Sophomore Robert Sellers assumed the mantle of starting quarterback, ready to command the offense and learn on the fly. Junior Bryan Lambert, described by Starr as "a leader on and off the field," was another key figure to watch, bringing both experience and inspiration to the squad.
The Keith Bears, for their part, came off a 5-6 season that included a postseason appearance, though their playoff run was cut short by McKenzie in the first round. With only two seniors dressing out for the season opener, the Bears faced questions about depth but remained determined to defend their home turf. The atmosphere was electric as the teams took the field, each looking to start their season with a statement.
Elsewhere in Lowndes County, the Lowndes Academy Rebels prepared to defend their reputation as one of the region’s powerhouse programs. Under the guidance of head coach James “Speed” Sampley, who returned to the Rebels after a stint at Fort Dale Academy, Lowndes Academy hosted Edgewood Academy in a matchup loaded with storylines. The Rebels were fresh off a stellar 11-1 season that saw them finish as state runners-up in the Alabama Independent School Association playoffs, boasting a perfect 4-0 region record along the way.
With nine seniors anchoring the roster and Bradyn Stokes under center as quarterback, expectations were sky-high. The last time these squads met, the Rebels shut out Edgewood 46-0, leaving little doubt about their dominance. But Edgewood, coming off a 3-6, 0-4 season, entered the new year with four returning seniors and hopes of turning the tables. Would experience or momentum win out under the Friday night lights?
Coach Sampley, never one to mince words, emphasized the importance of focus and tradition. "We take pride in our program and the way we play football. Every game is a chance to prove ourselves again," he told local media before kickoff. The Rebels’ faithful packed the stands, eager to see if their team could pick up where they left off and set the tone for another championship run.
Not to be overlooked, the Central High School Lions in Hayneville kicked off their season with a jamboree at W.S. Neal on August 22, giving players a taste of live action before their official home opener against LaFayette on August 29. Head coach Julian Little returned with four seniors, including standout running back Lee Moore, determined to improve on last year’s 2-7, 0-6 record. LaFayette, coming off a balanced 5-5, 2-5 campaign, will be looking to spoil the party, but the Lions have set their sights on defending their home field and building a winning culture.
"We’ve been working hard all summer to change the narrative," Little said during a break in practice earlier in the week. "Our seniors are hungry, and our younger guys are stepping up. We’re ready to compete." The community, too, is rallying behind the team, with local businesses displaying Lions banners and students organizing pep rallies to build excitement for the season opener.
Across both states, the opening weekend of high school sports brought a familiar mix of nerves, excitement, and hope. For Byron’s soccer stars, it was a chance to prove their championship pedigree and set the pace for the months ahead. For the football teams of Lowndes County, it was about redemption, resilience, and the pursuit of new memories under the Friday night lights.
As the first whistles blew and the first points hit the board, one thing became clear: whether on the pitch or the gridiron, these athletes are ready to give their all for their schools, their teammates, and their communities. With plenty of games left to play and stories yet to unfold, fans will be watching closely to see who rises, who surprises, and who leaves their mark on the 2025 season.
The action is just getting started, but if opening night is any indication, this year’s high school sports calendar promises drama, passion, and moments that will be talked about long after the final whistle. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come.
