BAXTER, IA – Under the bright Friday night lights of Baxter Bolts Stadium, two teams with identical blank records will write the first chapter of their 2025 stories. The Collins-Maxwell Spartans make the trip to face the Baxter Bolts in a week one non-conference showdown that promises high energy and a fresh start for both programs. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM on Friday, August 29th.

What: Iowa High School Football
Who: Collins-Maxwell vs Baxter
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Baxter High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

For fans, players, and coaches alike, this game is the culmination of a long offseason. The record books show nothing but zeros for both squads—0-0 overall, 0-0 at home, 0-0 on the road. The pristine statistics represent a universe of possibilities. A win here doesn’t just go in the ‘W’ column; it sets a triumphant tone for the entire campaign.

The Matchup: Spartans vs. Bolts

This early-season test is a classic example of two teams using a non-conference game to gauge their mettle before diving into the grueling schedule of district play. For Collins-Maxwell, the journey to Baxter is a chance to establish an identity on the road from the very first whistle. For the Bolts, defending their home turf in front of a passionate crowd provides a tangible advantage and an immediate test of their resolve.

The beauty of a week one contest between two teams without a shared recent history is the element of the unknown. Coaches have spent the summer breaking down limited film from the previous year, but rosters have changed, new stars have emerged, and game plans have evolved. It becomes less about intricate strategy and more about fundamental execution: which team will tackle better, which offensive line will establish control, and which squad can shake off the inevitable week-one nerves first.

A Look at the 2024 Season and the Road Ahead

While the 2025 records are untouched, the ghosts of the previous season linger. Both programs are eager to build upon—or distance themselves from—their 2024 performances. A strong opening game victory can be the catalyst for a complete turnaround, injecting a team with belief and momentum that can carry through a long season.

Looking further ahead on the schedule provides some intriguing context for this opener. The Spartans will host Colo-NESCO in their week two matchup on September 5th. Interestingly, the Bolts are also slated to face that very same Colo-NESCO team later in the season on October 10th. This creates a fascinating, indirect link between the two teams. While Collins-Maxwell and Baxter won’t face common opponents until later, their performances against Colo-NESCO will inevitably be compared by fans and pundits, adding a subtle layer of narrative to this initial clash.

For a complete overview of how these games and all other Iowa High School Football events unfold, be sure to follow our extensive coverage at HS Football Insider.

Keys to the Game

For Collins-Maxwell:

• Start Fast on the Road: Long bus rides can lead to slow starts. The Spartans must come out with high intensity to silence the Baxter home crowd and establish their game plan early.

• Offensive Consistency: With no game data to review, finding a rhythm on offense is crucial. Whether they lean on the run game or take shots downfield, avoiding three-and-outs will be key to controlling the tempo.

• Fundamental Defense: Tackling in space and winning one-on-one matchups will be paramount. Week one games often feature missed tackles; the team that cleans this up first usually finds itself ahead.

For Baxter:

• Leverage Home-Field Advantage: The energy from a home crowd in the first game is a tangible asset. The Bolts need to feed off that excitement, converting it into explosive plays on both sides of the ball.

• Establish the Line of Scrimmage: Controlling the line of scrimmage is a recipe for success in any football game, but especially in an opener. A strong push from the offensive and defensive lines can demoralize an opponent.

• Limit Mistakes: First-game jitters often lead to penalties and turnovers. The team that plays the cleanest, most disciplined football will put itself in an excellent position to secure the victory.

The X-Factors

In a game with so many unknowns, individual brilliance often makes the difference. Keep an eye on the quarterbacks for both teams. Who will manage the game effectively? Who will make the big throw on third down to extend a drive?

The running backs will also be in the spotlight. A bruising, clock-churning ground game is the best friend of any team looking to start the season 1-0. Furthermore, a special teams play—a long kick return, a blocked punt, or a clutch field goal—could easily be the deciding factor in what is expected to be a tightly contested battle.

How to Follow the Action

For those unable to make the trip to Baxter Stadium, staying connected with live updates is essential. ScoreTracker will be providing live data, but the true color of the game comes from live reporting.

This is where fan involvement becomes key. Both schools are looking for dedicated fans to step up and become Live Reporters, providing real-time commentary, key play descriptions, and scoring updates directly from the stands. It’s a fantastic way to contribute to the community and ensure everyone knows how the Spartans and Bolts are performing.

The Bottom Line

The Collins-Maxwell vs. Baxter matchup is more than just a simple non-conference game. It is a zero-zero tie on the scoreboard that represents pure potential. It is a chance for senior leaders to cement their legacies and for underclassmen to announce their arrival on the high school football scene.

For both programs, the 2025 season begins not with a roar, but with the silent anticipation of a kickoff under the Friday night lights. One team will leave the field with the euphoria of a perfect start. The other will face the first adversity of the new year. The pads will crack, the crowds will roar, and two teams will finally turn those zeros into a reality.

Be sure to check HS Football Insider’s Iowa category for post-game analysis, stats, and coverage of every snap as both Collins-Maxwell and Baxter progress through what promises to be an thrilling Iowa high school football season.