CRAIGMONT, ID – The crisp air of a late August afternoon will be filled with the sounds of cleats on turf and the roar of local fans this Saturday as the Lewis County Co-Op [Highland/Nezperce] Varsity Football team kicks off its 2025 campaign. The squad will host the Cardinals of Coeur du Christ Academy in a non-conference showdown at 2:00 PM, marking the official start of a new season filled with hope and determination.

Game Details:

• Who: Coeur du Christ Academy Cardinals @ Lewis County Co-Op

• What: Varsity Football Non-Conference Game

• When: Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM

• Where: Lewis County Co-Op Home Field (Craigmont, ID)

• Live Stream: demand at NFHS Network!

This matchup is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of community and the enduring spirit of small-school football. For the players from Highland and Nezperce high schools, who join forces to form the Lewis County Co-Op, it represents the culmination of a summer’s worth of hard work, early morning practices, and building the chemistry necessary to compete as a unified force.

The visiting team, Coeur du Christ Academy from Coeur d’Alene, travels south with their own set of aspirations. As a smaller private academy, their football program is built on similar pillars of dedication and perseverance. This early non-conference game is a critical test for both squads—a chance to evaluate new plays, solidify starting lineups, and build momentum before diving into their respective league schedules.

“For these communities, a home opener is a major event,” said a local source close to the team. “It’s a chance for everyone to come out, see the kids they’ve watched grow up, and support them as they represent our towns. There’s a lot of excitement to see what this new group can accomplish together.”

Fans can expect a hard-fought contest characterized by fundamental, physical football. With the season just beginning, execution and minimizing mistakes will be as important as raw talent. The battle in the trenches and the ability to control the clock will likely be the deciding factors in this opening-week clash.

The game promises to be a fantastic family-friendly event, showcasing the passion and purity of the sport at the grassroots level. It’s a reminder that at its heart, football is about teamwork, community pride, and the pursuit of a common goal.

Come out to Craigmont this Saturday and support your local athletes as they lay it all on the line for the pride of their schools and communities. Let’s pack the stands and kick off the 2025 season with a roar