Friday night lights are flickering back to life across the United States, as high school football kicks off in earnest for the 2025 season. From Maryland’s Bayside South to the sun-drenched fields of Florida and the storied programs of Central Massachusetts, teams are suiting up, coaches are finalizing game plans, and communities are buzzing with anticipation. The calendar may still say early September, but for players, coaches, and fans, it’s already the heart of football season.
In Maryland, the high school football season is officially set to begin on Friday, September 5, 2025. The Bayside South conference is wasting no time getting the action started, with several intriguing matchups on the docket for Week 1. Snow Hill will hit the road to face Wi-Hi, while Washington is set to host Northampton (VA) in a cross-state clash. Meanwhile, James M. Bennett and Parkside will both travel to Delaware, squaring off against Caesar Rodney and Delmar, respectively. Notably, Stephen Decatur’s football team will have to wait just a bit longer, with their season opener scheduled for September 12, 2025.
Maryland’s teams aren’t the only ones making final preparations. Down in Florida, the high school football season is already in full swing, with some teams gearing up for their fourth game as of September 5. It’s Week 3 for the FHSAA schedule, and SSAA teams in Manatee and Sarasota counties are facing a packed slate of contests. Friday night promises a flurry of gridiron action, with matchups like Pinellas Park at Bayshore, Booker at Clearwater Calvary Christian, and Lakewood Ranch at Braden River. Bradenton Christian will take on Riverview Academy, while Rockledge travels to Cardinal Mooney. The Community School of Naples is set to face IMG Academy Junior National, and Manatee will make the trek to Lowndes in Georgia. Sarasota squares off against North Port, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal meets Out-of-Door Academy, Palmetto tackles Riverview, and Parrish Community faces Palm Harbor University. Rounding out the schedule, Fort Myers Southwest Florida Christian visits Sarasota Christian, and Bishop Verot heads to Venice.
Northwest Florida is also buzzing with anticipation as Week 3 of high school football gets underway. The action began a day early on Thursday, September 4, with two marquee games: Pensacola (0-2) at Tate (2-0) and Milton (2-0) at Booker T. Washington (1-0). But the real fireworks are set for Friday night, September 5, with a slate that features Tallahassee Godby (0-2) at Pensacola Catholic (1-1), West Florida (1-1) at Fort Walton Beach (0-2), and Pace (1-1) at Gulf Breeze (0-2). Niceville (1-1) is set to battle Pine Forest (1-1), Freeport (2-0) will look to continue its hot start at Northview (0-2), and Baker (2-0) takes on Central (0-2). Three teams—Escambia (0-2), Navarre (0-2), and Jay (1-1)—will have a bye week and get a chance to regroup before diving back into the season.
The excitement isn’t limited to the Southeast. Up in Central Massachusetts, high school football is set for a soft opening on Friday, September 5, 2025, with a full slate of games to follow the next weekend. There’s already plenty of buzz around Uxbridge senior running back Camden LaChapelle, who rushed for a Central Massachusetts-best 2,307 yards last season. Can he repeat or even surpass that remarkable feat in 2025? Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely as the season unfolds.
For many players, this opening weekend is the culmination of months of hard work, sweat, and determination. Teams have spent the summer in grueling practices, running drills under the hot sun, and perfecting their playbooks. Coaches have analyzed game film, scouted opponents, and built strategies designed to capitalize on their teams’ strengths. The atmosphere is electric, with every snap, block, and tackle carrying the weight of both expectation and hope.
It’s not just about the athletes, though. High school football is deeply woven into the fabric of American communities. Friday nights bring together students, parents, alumni, and local residents, all rallying behind their teams. Pep bands blare out fight songs, cheerleaders energize the crowd, and concession stands fill the air with the scent of popcorn and grilled hot dogs. For many small towns and cities, these games are the social event of the week—a chance to catch up with neighbors, support local youth, and maybe even witness the next breakout star.
Technology is also playing a bigger role than ever before. Fans who can’t make it to the stadiums have a host of options to follow the action. The NFHS Network is streaming games live, and readers of the USA TODAY Network in Florida and the Pensacola News Journal can snag a 25% discount on yearly passes with the promo code USATODAY25. Live scoreboards, real-time updates, and in-depth coverage ensure that no one misses a moment, whether they’re in the stands or watching from home.
Of course, every season brings its own set of storylines. In Maryland, teams like Stephen Decatur are eager to see how their delayed start will affect their momentum. Florida’s Manatee and Sarasota counties are already deep into the grind, with teams juggling the physical and mental demands of back-to-back games. In the Pensacola area, perennial contenders are hoping to shake off slow starts, while up-and-comers are looking to make a statement. And in Central Massachusetts, all eyes are on whether last year’s standouts can duplicate their success or if new faces will seize the spotlight.
There’s also plenty of intrigue surrounding the matchups themselves. Will Snow Hill’s road trip to Wi-Hi set the tone for their season? Can Washington defend its home turf against a visiting Northampton squad from Virginia? How will James M. Bennett and Parkside fare as they cross state lines into Delaware? And in Florida, will powerhouse programs like IMG Academy Junior National and Venice live up to their reputations, or will underdogs spring early-season surprises?
As the opening whistle blows across fields from Maryland to Massachusetts and Florida, one thing is certain: high school football is back, and the possibilities are endless. With so many teams, players, and communities invested in the outcome, every yard gained and every point scored feels monumental. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a proud parent, or just someone who loves the game, there’s no better time to tune in and soak up the action.
For now, the story is still unfolding. The lights are on, the crowds are gathering, and the first chapters of the 2025 high school football season are being written in real time. Stay tuned—this fall promises plenty of drama, heart, and unforgettable moments on the gridiron.