The Oxford (AL) varsity football team is set to face Central (Carrollton, GA) in a home non-conference game tonight at 8 p.m. This matchup brings together two talented programs from neighboring states, promising an exciting battle on the field as both teams look to showcase their strength and depth.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Alabama High School Football
- Who: Oxford vs Central
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 8:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Central (Carrollton, GA) vs. Oxford (AL): Early-Season Non-Conference Clash
High school football returns in dramatic fashion this Friday night as the Oxford Yellow Jackets welcome the Central Lions of Carrollton, Georgia, in a non-conference showdown. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. on August 22, 2025, under the lights in Oxford, Alabama. For two programs with big ambitions, this matchup offers a chance to set the tone for the season—and perhaps even make a statement beyond state borders.
Setting the Stage
Oxford enters the 2025 season untested but full of optimism. Ranked No. 179 nationally, No. 9 in Alabama, and No. 3 in their classification, the Yellow Jackets have a proud tradition of competitive football. While their record currently sits at 0-0, expectations in Oxford are always high, and opening at home provides an opportunity to showcase both talent and toughness against a strong opponent.
Central, meanwhile, comes into the contest with momentum. The Lions are fresh off a convincing 37-0 road victory to start their campaign, giving them a 1-0 overall record. Ranked No. 471 nationally, No. 48 in Georgia, and No. 11 in their classification, Central’s first outing showed flashes of balance, dominance, and efficiency that could carry into this week’s challenge.
Central’s Early Season Statement
Central’s opening win was decisive on both sides of the ball. Their offense put up 37 points, while the defense pitched a shutout. That kind of performance is exactly the type of confidence booster a program needs heading into a non-conference test.
Statistically, the Lions looked impressive:
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Rushing Yards per Game: 226.0
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Passing Yards per Game: 196.0
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Total Yards per Game: 422.0
Quarterback Jr Harris set the tone through the air, delivering all 196 of those passing yards, while running back Jonaz Walton proved to be the engine of the offense. Walton not only rushed for 123 yards but also added 99 receiving yards, giving him an astounding 222 total yards in just one game. That versatility makes him the clear focal point of Central’s attack.
On defense, Tyson Rochester led with seven tackles, while kicker Jake Davis contributed seven points to the scoring effort. The Lions didn’t just win—they dominated in every phase.
Oxford’s Clean Slate
For Oxford, this game is less about responding to past performances and more about defining who they are in 2025. With no statistics yet on the board, the Yellow Jackets enter with mystery. That makes them dangerous.
Opponents, including Central, have little film on what Oxford might look like this season. Will they lean on a punishing ground game? A dynamic passing attack? A balanced approach? Until Friday night, the answers remain unknown.
Oxford’s challenge lies in matching Central’s early rhythm. While the Lions already have a game under their belt, the Yellow Jackets must knock off any early-season rust quickly to avoid falling behind. Playing at home, however, provides a cushion—Oxford fans are known for creating a spirited atmosphere that gives their team a noticeable boost.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
This is the first meeting between Central (GA) and Oxford (AL), making it a fresh and intriguing non-conference pairing. Their record breakdown highlights the contrast in experience entering this game:
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Central (1-0)
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1-0 in non-league play
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1-0 away from home
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37 points scored, 0 allowed
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Oxford (0-0)
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First game of the season
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Home opener
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No points for or against
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Central brings proof of performance. Oxford brings anticipation and potential.
Keys to the Game
For Central:
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Keep Feeding Walton – With over 220 all-purpose yards in one game, Jonaz Walton is the kind of player who can carry a team. Whether rushing between the tackles or catching passes out of the backfield, he needs touches.
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Maintain Defensive Intensity – A 37-0 shutout isn’t just about talent—it’s about effort. Replicating that energy on the road will be crucial.
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Limit Mistakes – Road games often hinge on discipline. Central must avoid turnovers and penalties that give Oxford momentum.
For Oxford:
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Start Fast – With Central already game-tested, Oxford cannot afford a slow first quarter. Quick offensive success could energize the crowd and even tilt the game.
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Defensive Pressure – Shutting down Walton will be difficult, but forcing Harris into hurried decisions could disrupt Central’s balance.
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Control the Clock – Long drives that keep Central’s offense sidelined will give the Yellow Jackets their best chance at pulling an upset.
Players to Watch
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Jonaz Walton (Central, #5) – A do-it-all weapon who led the team in rushing, receiving, and total yards in their season opener. His ability to dominate in multiple roles makes him Central’s gamebreaker.
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Jr Harris (Central, #2) – The Lions’ quarterback showed poise in his debut, delivering nearly 200 passing yards. His chemistry with Walton and other receivers will be tested against Oxford’s defense.
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Tyson Rochester (Central, #3) – Anchoring the defense with seven tackles, Rochester provides the toughness Central needs on the road.
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Oxford’s Backfield – Though unknown, the Yellow Jackets’ running game has historically been a strength. Whoever emerges in this opener will likely determine Oxford’s offensive rhythm.
The Atmosphere
Friday night football in Oxford is always an event, but hosting a team from out of state raises the stakes. The Yellow Jackets faithful will pack the stands, looking to defend their turf against a Georgia opponent eager to prove themselves.
For Central, this is a chance to step into Alabama and claim bragging rights. Beating a top-10 team in Alabama’s state rankings would be a feather in their cap early in the season.
Predictions and Outlook
This matchup is as much about identity as it is about the scoreboard. Central wants to prove their opening win wasn’t a fluke. Oxford wants to show that even without an early game to warm up, they can rise to the challenge.
If Central’s offensive weapons perform as they did in Week 1, they could force Oxford into playing catch-up. However, Oxford’s home-field advantage and fresh start make them a wild card—especially if they find a rhythm early.
Expect a hard-fought contest where discipline, turnovers, and execution in key moments decide the outcome. While Central brings the momentum, Oxford’s tradition and home atmosphere mean they cannot be overlooked.
Final Word
As the sun sets over Oxford and the lights flicker on, fans will witness more than just a football game. This is a battle of preparation versus anticipation, momentum versus mystery, Georgia grit versus Alabama pride.
When the Yellow Jackets and Lions take the field Friday night, both programs will walk away with something—whether it’s validation, lessons, or momentum for the season ahead. But only one will leave with the victory, and that win could prove pivotal as the 2025 high school football season unfolds.
