The Pierce County (Blackshear, GA) varsity football team will host Coosa Christian (Gadsden, AL) tonight at 7 p.m. in a non-conference matchup. Fans can expect an exciting evening of high school football, with both teams competing with determination, skill, and teamwork, promising spirited action and memorable plays under the lights.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Alabama High School Football
- Who: Mt. Zion vs Ranburne
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Mt. Zion Hosts Ranburne in Early-Season Non-Conference Clash
As high school football heats up across the Southeast, the Mt. Zion (GA) Eagles are set to host the Ranburne (AL Bulldogs) in a compelling non-conference matchup this Friday, August 22. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m., and the game is expected to provide an exciting early glimpse into both teams’ 2025 campaigns.
Both programs enter this contest with momentum and aspirations. Mt. Zion, fresh off a decisive win in their season opener, will look to continue their strong start at home. Ranburne, traveling from Alabama, aims to make an impact on the road and test their readiness against a competitive Georgia squad.
Game Overview
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Matchup: Ranburne (AL) @ Mt. Zion (GA)
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Date & Time: Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM
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Location: Mt. Zion High School, GA
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Type: Non-conference game
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2025 Records: Ranburne 0-0 | Mt. Zion 1-0
This game serves as more than a first-week matchup; it is an opportunity for both teams to set the tone for the season, evaluate player performance, and fine-tune game plans. Non-conference games like this also give coaches the chance to prepare their teams for the intensity and variety of competition that will follow in their respective leagues.
Team Profiles
Ranburne Bulldogs
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Overall Record: 0-0
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National Rank (AL): 11,150 | Class 31
The Bulldogs are heading into Georgia with an eye on establishing their identity early in the season. Known for a structured approach to both offense and defense, Ranburne emphasizes fundamentals, ball control, and disciplined play. Playing on the road presents both challenges and opportunities, as the team will need to adjust to new surroundings and hostile crowds.
Offensive Outlook:
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Ranburne typically utilizes a balanced offensive scheme, mixing rushing and passing plays to keep defenses off-balance.
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Key to their success will be ball security and execution in scoring opportunities, especially in an away environment.
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Early-season games allow the coaching staff to evaluate player roles, particularly in critical positions like quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.
Defensive Outlook:
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The Bulldogs’ defense focuses on tackling fundamentals, gap discipline, and preventing explosive plays.
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Stopping the run and containing Mt. Zion’s key playmakers will be central to keeping the game competitive.
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How well the defense adapts in-game to Mt. Zion’s strategy may prove decisive in a closely contested matchup.
Mt. Zion Eagles
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Overall Record: 1-0
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National Rank (GA): 6,672 | Class 31
Mt. Zion enters this matchup with momentum from a strong season opener, where they put up 27 points while limiting their opponent to just 6. Playing at home provides the Eagles with a notable advantage, and the team will aim to extend their winning streak while showcasing consistency on both sides of the ball.
Offensive Outlook:
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The Eagles have demonstrated the ability to move the ball efficiently and score consistently, averaging 27 points in their opening game.
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Establishing rhythm early will be key, particularly in the first quarter, to set the tone and build confidence.
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Quarterback leadership, offensive line play, and reliable skill-position execution will determine the effectiveness of the offense.
Defensive Outlook:
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Mt. Zion’s defense has already shown promise in 2025, allowing just 6 points in the opener.
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Key focuses include containing the run, applying pressure on the quarterback, and minimizing big plays.
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Defensive consistency and adaptability will be critical, particularly against a balanced offensive attack from Ranburne.
Matchup Significance
This early-season non-conference game is significant for both programs:
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For Mt. Zion, it’s a chance to reinforce their strong start and test depth while continuing to build team cohesion.
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For Ranburne, traveling out of state provides valuable experience against a competitive opponent, testing their preparation, resilience, and adaptability.
Key aspects that could influence the outcome include:
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Home-Field Advantage: Mt. Zion will look to capitalize on familiar surroundings and vocal fans.
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Turnover Margin: Protecting the football and creating turnovers may swing momentum.
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Offensive Execution: Both teams need efficient drives, especially in red-zone situations.
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Defensive Discipline: Stopping explosive plays and limiting scoring opportunities could determine the winner.
Potential X-Factors
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Road Pressure: Ranburne will need to manage the challenges of traveling and performing in a hostile environment.
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Special Teams: Field position, punts, and kickoffs could play a crucial role in early-game momentum.
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Quarterback Play: Accuracy, decision-making, and leadership under pressure will impact scoring and tempo.
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Coaching Adjustments: In-game strategy adjustments can swing the advantage, particularly in a matchup of similarly competitive programs.
Historical Context
Although Mt. Zion and Ranburne do not share a deep rivalry, both programs have strong reputations in their respective states. Mt. Zion’s recent success in Georgia highlights a program capable of dominating early-season matchups, while Ranburne’s disciplined approach has earned recognition in Alabama. This non-conference clash will test both teams’ preparation and provide insight into how each might perform against tougher opponents later in the season.
Predictions and Outlook
With Mt. Zion’s home-field advantage and a strong season-opening performance, they enter as a slight favorite. However, Ranburne’s disciplined, balanced approach could keep the game competitive, especially if the Bulldogs execute their game plan effectively.
Storylines to Watch:
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Which quarterback can command the offense efficiently in the season opener?
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Can the defenses adapt to limit big plays and force turnovers?
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How will special teams influence field position and momentum?
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Will early drives establish confidence for the team that controls the first quarter?
Predicted Outcome: Mt. Zion 27, Ranburne 20
Expect a competitive contest where early execution, turnovers, and home-field advantage could make the difference. Both teams will gain valuable insights for the remainder of the 2025 season, regardless of the outcome.
Conclusion
The Ranburne @ Mt. Zion matchup embodies the excitement and intensity of high school football. Fans, students, and alumni can anticipate an engaging game with talented athletes, strategic play-calling, and spirited competition.
Kickoff at 7:00 p.m. provides an opportunity to see early-season stars emerge, evaluate team depth, and witness a classic non-conference showdown. Mt. Zion aims to extend their undefeated start, while Ranburne seeks to make a statement on the road, making this game a must-watch for local football enthusiasts.
