ORLANDO, FL – The 2025 high school football season kicks off with a monumental, cross-country showdown as Colorado’s premier dynasty, the Cherry Creek Bruins, venture southeast to battle Florida’s formidable Cardinal Mooney Cougars. This highly anticipated non-conference clash is set for Friday, August 29, at 7:00 PM at the state-of-the-art Austin Tindall Stadium in Orlando.

Game Details:

• Who: Cherry Creek Bruins (CO) vs. Cardinal Mooney Cougars (FL)

• What: Non-Conference Season Opener

• When: Friday, August 29, 2025 | 7:00 PM Kickoff

• Where: Austin Tindall Stadium | Orlando, Florida

• Live Stream: Watch on NFHS Network!

This isn’t just another season opener; it’s a rare opportunity to witness two elite programs from different football hotbeds test their mettle on a neutral site, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable night under the lights.

The National Contender: Cherry Creek Bruins (Greenwood Village, CO)

Hailing from Greenwood Village, Colorado, the Cherry Creek Bruins are not merely a successful team; they are a bona fide blue-blood program. Synonymous with excellence and dominance in the Centennial State, the Bruins have built a reputation for disciplined, powerful football. Their program is a factory for collegiate talent, consistently sending players to top-tier NCAA programs.

Coming into this game, Cherry Creek will carry the weight of its own high standards and the pride of representing Colorado football on a national stage. For them, this trip to Florida is a statement opportunity—a chance to prove their brand of football can compete with and conquer the best from the talent-rich Sunshine State.

The Home-State Challenge: Cardinal Mooney Cougars (Sarasota, FL)

Representing Sarasota, the Cardinal Mooney Cougars are a force to be reckoned with in Florida’s competitive high school landscape. Known for their speed, athleticism, and tough, physical play, the Cougars consistently compete at the highest levels of Florida high school football. They are no strangers to big games and top-tier opposition, making them the perfect ambassadors to welcome a national powerhouse to their home turf.

While officially the “home” team, playing at the neutral Austin Tindall Stadium in Orlando will create a electrifying bowl-game atmosphere. For Cardinal Mooney, this game is a ultimate early-season test and a chance to make a resounding statement about their own state and national championship aspirations.

The Venue: Austin Tindall Stadium

The choice of venue itself signals the magnitude of this event. Austin Tindall Stadium, located in the heart of the Orlando metro area, is one of Florida’s premier high school and collegiate athletic facilities. With its pristine turf, massive seating capacity, and vibrant atmosphere, it provides a fitting stage for a matchup of this caliber, ensuring fans from both sides an incredible game-day experience.

What’s at Stake

While this is a non-conference game, the implications are significant.

• National Rankings: A decisive victory for either team will provide a massive boost in national prestige and early-season rankings.

• Program Pride: This is a battle for regional bragging rights between two of America’s most prolific football states.

• Season Momentum: For both teams, starting the year with a statement win against a top-tier opponent can set a powerful tone for the entire season, building confidence and revealing strengths and weaknesses against elite competition.

Mark your calendars and prepare for a spectacular display of high school football at its finest. This is more than a game; it’s a national event. Don’t miss the Cherry Creek Bruins and the Cardinal Mooney Cougars as they write the first chapter of their 2025 seasons in what promises to be a historic clash.