The Lakewood Leopards (Roseboro, NC) varsity football team will host the West Bladen Knights (Bladenboro, NC) in a non-conference matchup on Friday, August 15, at 8 p.m.

Lakewood vs West Bladen Football Game Info:

What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Lakewood vs West Bladen
When: Friday, August 15, 2025
Time: 8 PM
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Game preview: Lakewood vs West Bladen

Lakewood, West Bladen Set to Open 2025 Football Season in Roseboro

The 2025 high school football season kicks off this Friday night as the Lakewood Leopards welcome the West Bladen Knights to Roseboro for a non-conference showdown. Both teams enter the season with a clean slate and a determination to set the tone for the year ahead. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.

A Fresh Start for Both Programs
Lakewood and West Bladen each posted identical 25-26 records over the past five seasons, and both are hungry to climb the rankings in 2025. The Leopards start the year ranked No. 304 in North Carolina and 10,117 nationally, while the Knights come in at No. 384 in the state and 12,757 nationwide.

Last season’s struggles have been wiped from the board, and both sides are eager to earn their first victory. With neither team having recorded a point yet in 2025, Friday’s opener offers the perfect chance to spark some early-season momentum.

Looking Ahead
While this will be the first meeting between the two programs in recent years, they do share several common opponents this season, including East Bladen, West Columbus, Union, and Fairmont. How each team performs against those shared foes could provide insight into their postseason prospects.

For West Bladen, key matchups loom against East Bladen on August 29 and West Columbus on September 5. Lakewood will face its own early challenges, including Fairmont on September 12 and West Columbus on September 26.

Setting the Tone
The opening game is often more than just a contest—it’s a statement. Both the Leopards and the Knights will be looking to establish their identity, test their playmakers, and build confidence heading into the heart of their schedules.

Fans in Roseboro can expect a competitive battle under the Friday night lights, as two evenly matched teams collide with identical records, fresh energy, and the same goal: starting the 2025 campaign with a win.

Kickoff: Friday, August 15, 2025 – 8:00 p.m. at Lakewood High School, Roseboro, NC.