COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – The lights at Lewis Central High School will burn bright Friday night as the Titans host the North Polk Comets in a highly anticipated non-conference season opener. This 7 PM kickoff on August 29, 2025, pits two Iowa high school football programs with lofty ambitions against each other, setting the stage for a thrilling Week 1 showdown. For more on this and all Iowa High School Football events, stay locked on our coverage.

What: Iowa High School Football
Who: North Polk vs Lewis Central
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Lewis Central High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

The opening game of the 2025 campaign always carries a unique electricity, a mix of boundless optimism and unanswered questions. For both the North Polk Comets (Alleman, IA) and the Lewis Central Titans (Council Bluffs, IA), those questions will finally start to get answers under the Friday night lights. With identical 0-0 records, the pristine statistics and clean slates will be muddied by the grit and grind of live action, offering the first true glimpse of what each team can become.

Lewis Central Titans: A Powerhouse Program Ready to Roar

On paper, the Lewis Central Titans enter the fray with a significant advantage in reputation and preseason pedigree. Holding a state ranking of 3rd in Iowa and 444th nationally according to pre-season evaluations, the Titans are a Class 4A force to be reckoned with. Their ranking signifies a program accustomed to success, one that expects to compete for championships year in and year out.

Playing at home provides an immediate edge for the Titans. The familiar turf, the roaring home crowd, and the absence of travel fatigue are intangible factors that often make the difference in a close contest. For a team breaking in new personnel or adjusting to new schemes, there’s no better place to start than in front of a supportive home audience. The Titans will look to establish their dominance early, using the energy from their stands to fuel a fast start.

The very fact that Lewis Central is ranked so highly before a snap is taken speaks volumes about the talent in their pipeline. They likely return key players on both sides of the ball and have a coaching staff known for preparing their athletes for battle. Their objective will be to control the line of scrimmage, execute a balanced offensive attack, and impose their physical will on the Comets from the opening whistle.

North Polk Comets: Embracing the Underdog Challenge

The North Polk Comets arrive in Council Bluffs as the clear underdogs, a role they will undoubtedly relish. Ranked 9th in the state and 781st nationally in Class 3A, they have a prime opportunity to make a massive statement to the entire Iowa high school football landscape. A victory, or even a strongly competitive showing, against a top-tier program like Lewis Central would instantly validate their own preseason hopes and build immense momentum.

For a team like North Polk, a non-conference game of this magnitude is the perfect measuring stick. It reveals character, exposes areas for improvement, and tests resilience against high-level competition. The Comets’ game plan will likely focus on discipline, minimizing mistakes, and capitalizing on any opportunities that Lewis Central provides. A strong defensive effort and a methodical, ball-control offense could be the keys to keeping the game within reach in the second half.

The Comets have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The pressure rests squarely on the shoulders of the highly-touted Titans. North Polk can play loose, aggressive, and free, using their underdog status as a powerful motivator to shock the home crowd and pull off a Week 1 upset.

Breaking Down the Matchup: Keys to Victory

While the records are blank, the strategic battle on the field will be intricate. Here’s what to watch for:

For Lewis Central to Win:

• Establish the Run Early: A powerful running game can demoralize an opponent and control the clock. The Titans will look to their offensive line to create gaps and allow their backs to wear down the North Polk defense.

• Leverage Home-Field Advantage: Converting third downs, creating turnovers, and making big plays will be crucial to keeping their crowd engaged and amplifying the pressure on the visiting Comets.

• Apply Relentless Defensive Pressure: Disrupting North Polk’s offensive rhythm with a fierce pass rush and tight coverage in the secondary will force mistakes and potentially lead to short fields for the Titans’ offense.

For North Polk to Win:

• Win the Turnover Battle: The simplest path to an upset is through takeaways. The Comets must protect the football on offense and be opportunistic on defense, converting any Titan miscues into points.

• Stellar Quarterback Play: Whether through the air or with smart decision-making, the North Polk quarterback must manage the game effectively against a tough Lewis Central defense. Avoiding sacks and costly interceptions is paramount.

• Special Teams Excellence: In a game where points may be at a premium, winning the field position battle with strong punting and kick coverage, and potentially hitting a key field goal, could be the difference.

The X-Factors: Tradition and The Unknown

The history and tradition of the Lewis Central program cannot be overlooked. They know how to win. They expect to win. That mindset, cultivated over successful seasons, is a powerful weapon. Their players are accustomed to big-game atmospheres and will not be easily rattled.

Conversely, the great unknown of Week 1 is the ultimate equalizer. Preseason rankings are based on potential and returning talent, but they can’t account for heart, chemistry, and which team improved the most during the offseason. North Polk may have a new playmaker who wasn’t on anyone’s radar, or a new defensive scheme that causes problems for the Titans. The first game always unveils a few surprises.

A Look at the Bigger Picture

This non-conference clash is more than just one game on the schedule. For Lewis Central, a convincing win solidifies their top-ranking and builds confidence for the grueling conference schedule ahead. For North Polk, a strong performance against a giant, win or lose, provides invaluable experience and proves they can compete with anyone, setting a positive tone for their 3A playoff aspirations.

Both teams will use this game as a critical evaluation tool. Coaches will be scrutinizing every snap, assessing personnel groupings, and identifying which players thrive under the bright lights. The film from this game will be the most important teaching material of the young season.

Final Thoughts and Prediction

The atmosphere at Lewis Central High School will be electric for this 7 PM kickoff. Two communities, filled with hope and anticipation, will watch as their sons and brothers lay it all on the line to start the season.

While North Polk will come in with a solid game plan and fight with everything they have, the combination of Lewis Central’s high ranking, home-field advantage, and established program culture makes them the favorites. The Titans’ depth and physicality will likely prove to be the difference as the game progresses.

Expect a hard-hitting, competitive first half before Lewis Central’s strengths eventually take over. The Titans should secure a victory, but North Polk will leave the field with their heads held high, having gained respect and crucial experience.

Final Score Prediction: Lewis Central 31, North Polk 14

Be sure to follow all the action and get continuous updates on this game and every other matchup across the state right here at HS Football Insider. Your home for everything Iowa High School Football.