The Randolph-Clay (Cuthbert, GA) varsity football team is set to host Cottonwood (AL) tonight at 7:30 p.m. in a non-conference matchup. Fans can look forward to an exciting evening of high school football, with both teams showcasing determination, skill, and competitive spirit under the Friday night lights.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Alabama High School Football
- Who: Randolph-Clay vs Cottonwood
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Randolph-Clay Hosts Cottonwood in Early-Season Non-Conference Clash
High school football in the Southeast gears up for an exciting start to the 2025 season as Randolph-Clay High School (Cuthbert, GA) Eagles prepare to host the Cottonwood (AL) Red Devils for a non-conference matchup on Friday, August 22, at 7:30 p.m. The game promises to be a spirited contest, giving both programs an opportunity to set the tone for their respective seasons.
This early-season meeting pits two competitive programs from neighboring states against each other. Randolph-Clay, competing in Class 40 of Georgia, looks to leverage their home-field advantage and local fan support to launch their campaign on a strong note. Meanwhile, Cottonwood, a Class 4 Alabama program, travels with the aim of testing their roster against a talented out-of-state opponent.
Game Overview
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Matchup: Cottonwood (AL) @ Randolph-Clay (GA)
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Date & Time: Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM
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Location: Randolph-Clay High School, Cuthbert, GA
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Type: Non-conference game
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2025 Records: Cottonwood 0-0 | Randolph-Clay 0-0
Non-conference games like this one are essential early-season tests for high school teams. They allow coaches to evaluate player performance, depth, and schemes while providing players the first opportunity to execute under game conditions. For the local community, such matchups create an electric atmosphere and early excitement for the season.
Team Profiles
Cottonwood Red Devils
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Overall Record: 0-0
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National Rank (AL): 5,139 | Class 4
Cottonwood enters this contest with a clean slate and plenty of motivation, traveling to Georgia to face a challenging opponent. This road game presents the Red Devils with an opportunity to evaluate how their team responds to unfamiliar competition and hostile environments.
Offensive Outlook:
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Cottonwood’s offensive strategy emphasizes a balanced attack, using both the ground game and passing schemes to keep defenses off-balance.
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Establishing a rhythm early in the game will be crucial, particularly in an away setting where communication and timing can be tested.
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Key players, including skill-position athletes, will need to step up to generate scoring opportunities and sustain drives.
Defensive Outlook:
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The Red Devils’ defense prioritizes fundamental tackling, gap discipline, and limiting explosive plays.
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Their ability to adjust to in-game developments will be vital against a home team looking to dominate early.
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Preventing big plays and maintaining situational awareness will likely dictate their performance on the road.
Randolph-Clay Eagles
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Overall Record: 0-0
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National Rank (GA): 8,617 | Class 40
Randolph-Clay heads into this non-conference contest looking to set the pace of their season with a strong performance at home. As a Class 40 program, the Eagles face elevated expectations from both fans and local media. A strong showing in this early matchup could provide momentum heading into conference play.
Offensive Outlook:
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Randolph-Clay’s offense emphasizes aggressive play-calling and versatility, capable of explosive plays and methodical drives.
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Quarterback decision-making, offensive line execution, and skill-position performance will be key to controlling the game.
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Utilizing home-field advantage, the Eagles will look to dictate tempo and keep the Red Devils’ defense on their heels.
Defensive Outlook:
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The Eagles focus on discipline, tackling fundamentals, and pass coverage.
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Containing Cottonwood’s balanced attack will require strong communication and consistent execution.
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Limiting turnovers and forcing mistakes will be essential to securing an early-season victory.
Matchup Significance
Non-conference games early in the season carry importance for both programs.
For Randolph-Clay:
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A home win would establish early-season confidence.
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The game offers an opportunity to test depth, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make adjustments before league play begins.
For Cottonwood:
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Playing out-of-state provides a test of adaptability, resilience, and team cohesion.
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Competing against a Georgia Class 40 opponent allows the team to gauge where they stand relative to higher-level competition.
The outcome may hinge on execution in critical moments, turnover margin, and the ability to adjust strategies mid-game.
Potential X-Factors
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Road Pressure: Cottonwood must manage travel logistics, an unfamiliar environment, and a supportive home crowd for Randolph-Clay.
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Quarterback Play: The signal-caller’s decision-making, accuracy, and poise under pressure will be pivotal for both offenses.
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Special Teams Impact: Kickoffs, punts, and field-position management could influence momentum swings and scoring opportunities.
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Coaching Adjustments: The ability of both staffs to adapt during the game will determine success, particularly as new players gain experience.
Historical Context
Although Randolph-Clay and Cottonwood do not have a long-standing rivalry, both programs maintain respected reputations in their states. Randolph-Clay has a history of strong home performances and a competitive program in Georgia Class 40. Cottonwood is known for discipline, fundamentals, and consistent preparation, making this a true test for both squads.
Early-season non-conference matchups like this are not only about wins and losses—they provide insight into team dynamics, strategy implementation, and player readiness, which will influence the rest of the season.
Predictions and Storylines
With the Eagles enjoying the home-field advantage and a familiar competitive environment, Randolph-Clay enters the contest as a slight favorite. However, Cottonwood’s disciplined approach, particularly on defense, may result in a competitive, hard-fought game.
Storylines to Watch:
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Which quarterback will command the offense efficiently?
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Will defenses create turnovers and capitalize on mistakes?
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How will special teams influence field position and scoring chances?
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Can the visiting Red Devils adjust to the energy of a home crowd in Georgia?
Predicted Outcome: Randolph-Clay 28, Cottonwood 14
Expect a competitive matchup where execution, discipline, and home-field energy could determine the winner. Regardless of the final score, both teams will gain valuable experience to guide the remainder of their seasons.
Conclusion
Friday’s Cottonwood @ Randolph-Clay game promises an exciting start to the high school football season in the Southeast. Fans and local communities can anticipate a contest showcasing talented athletes, strategic play-calling, and spirited competition.
Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at Randolph-Clay High School provides an evening of action where both teams aim to begin their 2025 campaigns on a high note. For the Eagles, it’s a chance to leverage home-field advantage and assert early-season dominance. For Cottonwood, it is an opportunity to test themselves on the road and build experience for the challenges ahead.
