SULLY, IA – The lights at Lynnville-Sully High School will burn bright tonight as the Hawks host the Pleasantville Trojans in a highly anticipated non-conference season opener. This Friday night showdown, kicking off at 7 p.m., marks the official start of the 2025 campaign for two programs eager to make their mark. Both teams enter the fray with pristine 0-0 records, but the hunger for victory and early-season bragging rights will be palpable under the Iowa sky.

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

For fans unable to secure a seat in the stands, the game will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network. This clash is just one of many exciting matchups across the state, and you can follow all the action from this game and others throughout the season at HS Football Insider’s Iowa High School Football hub.

A Clean Slate and High Expectations

The beauty of Week 1 lies in its infinite possibility. The Pleasantville Trojans, ranked 23rd in their class and 151st overall in the state according to early prognostications, stride onto the field with a clean slate. Their national ranking sits at 6,900, but such numbers are meaningless once the opening whistle blows. Head Coach Mark Johnson’s squad has spent the offseason grinding, focusing on shoring up both offensive execution and defensive discipline. With a 0-0 overall, home, and away record, the Trojans are a mystery, but one they are keen to solve with a strong performance on the road.

Across the field, the Lynnville-Sully Hawks carry the weight of higher preseason expectations. Ranked an impressive 9th in their class and 102nd in Iowa, the Hawks’ national ranking of 4,730 indicates a program perceived to be on the rise. For Head Coach Mike Parkinson, this game represents the first test of a squad that has shown immense promise in practice and scrimmages. Like their opponents, the Hawks boast a blank ledger: 0-0 overall, at home, and away. The energy of a home crowd at Lynnville-Sully High School could provide the crucial spark needed to turn potential into points.

Breaking Down the Matchup

While the record books show a complete lack of head-to-head history between these two teams (0-0), that only adds to the intrigue. There is no recent film, no past grudges, and no common opponents from this season to analyze. This game will be decided by preparation, in-game adjustments, and pure execution.

Pleasantville Trojans Keys to Victory:
For Pleasantville, establishing a consistent offensive rhythm early will be critical. The Trojan offense, which put up zero points in the preseason (0 PA), must find a way to move the chains against what looks to be a stout Hawks defense. Look for them to test the edges with a mix of outside runs and short, high-percentage passes to build confidence. Defensively, the Trojans must contain the Hawks’ playmakers and avoid giving up big plays. Creating a single turnover could be the difference in what promises to be a tightly contested battle.

Lynnville-Sully Hawks Keys to Victory:
The Hawks must leverage the electric atmosphere of their home field. A fast start could quickly put the Trojans on their heels. Lynnville-Sully’s offense will look to establish its identity, whether that’s through a powerful ground game or a dynamic aerial attack. Defensively, applying pressure to the Pleasantville quarterback and disrupting the timing of the Trojans’ offense will be a top priority. The Hawks’ higher state ranking isn’t a guarantee of victory; it’s a challenge they must live up to.

Players to Watch

Though specific roster details are under wraps, all eyes will be on the team leaders. For Pleasantville, the performance of their senior quarterback and a veteran linebacker will likely set the tone. Their ability to manage the game and make smart decisions under the bright lights of a season opener will be paramount.

Lynnville-Sully will undoubtedly rely on its own core of experienced players. A running back with breakaway speed or a defensive end who can wreak havoc in the backfield could become the hero of the night. The team that receives a standout performance from a key playmaker will seize a significant advantage.

The Bigger Picture: Iowa High School Football is Back

This game is more than just two teams battling for a win; it’s a celebration of Iowa high school football’s return. Communities from Pleasantville and Sully will pack the stands, creating an unforgettable backdrop for these young athletes. The crisp air, the roar of the crowd, and the relentless effort on the field embody the spirit of Friday night lights.

Every game is a chapter in a larger story, and this non-conference clash will provide valuable lessons for both teams as they navigate the grueling schedule ahead. A win here builds momentum and confidence, while a loss offers a chance to learn and improve before league play intensifies.

How to Follow the Action

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lynnville-Sully High School in Sully, IA. For those who cannot attend, the NFHS Network will provide a live video stream of the game.

We also want to hear from you! Are you a passionate fan with a keen eye? We are looking for live reporters from both communities to provide real-time updates and color commentary. Be the voice for your team by signing up to be Pleasantville’s or Lynnville-Sully’s Live Reporter.

And remember, for comprehensive coverage, scores, and analysis from every corner of the state, make HS Football Insider your home for all things Iowa High School Football.

Prediction

On paper, the Lynnville-Sully Hawks hold a slight edge with their higher state ranking and the benefit of playing at home. The energy of a season opener in front of a home crowd can be a powerful force. However, the Pleasantville Trojans have everything to gain and will undoubtedly come prepared to defy expectations.

Expect a hard-fought, physical game where the first team to find its offensive groove will likely emerge victorious. In a close, low-scoring affair, the Hawks might just have enough to defend their home turf.

Final Score: Lynnville-Sully 21, Pleasantville 17

No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: Iowa high school football is back, and it starts with a can’t-miss showdown between the Pleasantville Trojans and the Lynnville-Sully Hawks.