GILBERT, IA – The lights of Gilbert High School will blaze to life this Friday night, August 29, 2025, for a highly anticipated Week 1 non-conference showdown. The Carroll Tigers make the trip to face the Gilbert Tigers in a unique battle of teams sharing the same mascot but harboring vastly different ambitions for the new campaign. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in a game that promises to set the tone for both teams’ seasons.
What: Iowa High School Football
Who: Carroll vs Gilbert
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Gilbert High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Both squads enter the fray with pristine 0-0 records, their statistical slates clean and their potential limitless. The national and state rankings, which slot Gilbert slightly ahead at 76th in Iowa compared to Carroll’s 85th, become meaningless the moment the opening whistle blows. This is a fresh start, an opportunity to make a statement, and a chance to build immediate momentum in the long grind of an Iowa high school football season.
A Look at the Carroll Tigers
The Carroll Tigers arrive on the road with a point to prove. Finishing the previous season with a 4-5 record, the team is hungry to flip the script and establish a winning identity from the opening snap. Head Coach Mark Jensen has emphasized a renewed focus on defensive discipline and a more potent, balanced offensive attack throughout the summer camp.
The key for Carroll will be controlling the line of scrimmage. With an entirely new starting offensive line, their ability to gel quickly and create running lanes for senior tailback Jake Peterson will be crucial. Peterson, a shifty runner with breakaway speed, is the focal point of the offense. If the line gives him room, he can single-handedly change the complexion of the game. Defensively, Carroll will rely on its experienced linebacker corps, led by captain Ben Miller, to contain Gilbert’s offensive weapons and force early mistakes.
A Look at the Gilbert Tigers
On the home sideline, the Gilbert Tigers are buzzing with optimism. After a strong 7-3 finish last year that ended in a narrow playoff defeat, the program believes it is on the cusp of something special. They return a wealth of talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, making them a slight favorite on paper.
All eyes will be on Gilbert’s dynamic quarterback, senior Alex Johnson. A dual-threat talent with a strong arm and elusive legs, Johnson is the engine that makes the offense hum. His favorite target, 6’3” wideout Michael Carter, presents a matchup nightmare for any secondary. The Gilbert defense, while replacing several starters in the front seven, is anchored by a lockdown cornerback in Sam Jones. Their strategy will likely involve applying pressure to Carroll’s offense early to build a lead and allow their playmakers to operate with confidence.
Key Matchups to Watch
The outcome of this Tigers vs. Tigers battle will be decided in a few critical individual and unit clashes.
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Carroll’s O-Line vs. Gilbert’s Front Seven: This is the game within the game. If Carroll’s new-look offensive line can hold its own against Gilbert’s aggressive defensive front, it will allow their running game to flourish and keep Alex Johnson on the sideline. If Gilbert dominates the line of scrimmage, they could force Carroll into obvious passing situations and create turnover opportunities.
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Jake Peterson (Carroll RB) vs. Sam Jones (Gilbert CB): While Jones plays cornerback, his sure tackling will be tested if Peterson breaks into the second level. Peterson’s ability to make defenders miss in open space directly contradicts Jones’s job to be the last line of defense. Their one-on-one encounters in the open field could be highlight-reel material.
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Alex Johnson (Gilbert QB) vs. Carroll’s Secondary: Johnson’s ability to extend plays with his feet is a defensive coordinator’s headache. Carroll’s secondary must maintain disciplined coverage even when a play seems to break down. Letting Carter or another receiver get loose on a scramble drill is a recipe for a big play.
The X-Factor: First-Game Jitters
Week 1 is always a paradox of exquisite preparation and uncontrolled chaos. No amount of practice can perfectly simulate the speed and physicality of a real game. Which team will better handle the adrenaline, the mistakes, and the momentum swings? The team that settles in quicker, minimizes penalties, and wins the turnover battle will put itself in a commanding position. Execution, not just talent, will be the ultimate decider.
What It Means for the Season
While this is a non-conference game, its importance cannot be overstated. For Carroll, a road victory against a quality opponent like Gilbert would be a massive confidence booster, proving their offseason work has paid dividends and setting a positive trajectory for the rest of the year.
For Gilbert, protecting their home field is paramount. A convincing win validates their preseason ranking and announces their serious intentions as a contender in their class. A loss, especially at home, would be a sudden setback that requires immediate regrouping.
Both teams have their sights set on the playoffs and making noise in their respective classifications. A strong performance in this Carroll vs Gilbert opener is the first step on that journey. For a complete look at the playoff picture and all the action across the state, be sure to follow our coverage of Iowa High School Football events.
The Final Word
The Carroll vs Gilbert matchup is exactly what makes high school football so compelling. It’s a clash of hope versus expectation, of road warriors against home favorites. Gilbert may have the edge in returning talent and home-field advantage, but Carroll carries the underdog mentality that can be a powerful motivator.
Fans attending the game at Gilbert High School should expect a hard-hitting, emotional, and thrilling contest. When two teams with identical records and mascots but different histories face off, you can throw the preseason prognostication out the window. It will all be decided under the Friday night lights.
Be sure to check back with us for the final score and a full game recap. Who will roar the loudest and claim the first victory of the 2025 season? The answer comes Friday night.
