WATERLOO, IA — The lights of Waterloo Memorial Stadium will burn brightest Friday night for the city’s most anticipated annual event. The Waterloo West Wahawks and the Waterloo East Trojans are set to renew their storied rivalry in a week zero non-conference clash that promises to deliver high-stakes drama from the opening kickoff. For both teams, this is more than just a game; it’s a chance to set the tone for the entire 2025 campaign and claim early bragging rights in the Cedar Valley.

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

The opening Friday of the Iowa high school football season delivers a premier matchup as the Waterloo West Wahawks travel to face the Waterloo East Trojans. This intracity battle, scheduled for 7:00 PM on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Waterloo Memorial Stadium, is the perfect catalyst to launch a new year of thrilling Iowa High School Football action.

A Rivalry Steeped in Tradition

The West-East showdown transcends win-loss records or state rankings. It represents a deep-seated community tradition, dividing households and uniting neighborhoods in a shared passion for football. The atmosphere at Memorial Stadium will be electric, with a palpable energy that only a cross-town rivalry can generate. For the players, many of whom grew up playing alongside and against each other, this game carries an emotional weight that few other contests on the schedule can match.

Both teams enter the fray with identical 0-0 records, their statistical slates wiped clean. The Wahawks, ranked 24th in their class according to preseason polls, hold a slight numerical edge over the Trojans, who begin the year ranked 35th. However, rankings and past records become irrelevant when these two teams meet. History has shown that in a rivalry game, anything can happen.

Breaking Down the Waterloo West Wahawks

The Waterloo West Wahawks enter the 2025 season looking to build upon the foundation laid in previous years. With a national ranking of 6,215 and sitting at 133rd in the state, the team has clear goals to climb those lists. The Wahawks’ identity is often built on a disciplined approach and strategic execution.

Head Coach Lonnie Moore and his staff have spent the offseason refining their schemes and identifying key playmakers on both sides of the ball. The offense will look to establish its rhythm early, while the defense aims to be aggressive and disruptive. A victory against their cross-town rivals would provide an immense confidence boost and create powerful momentum for the challenging schedule ahead, including key games against Fort Dodge and Marshalltown later in the season.

Scouting the Waterloo East Trojans

The Waterloo East Trojans are ready to prove that preseason rankings are just numbers. Ranked 10,219th nationally and 226th in Iowa, the Trojans embrace the underdog role, especially on their home turf. Head Coach Anthony Harley knows that a strong performance against West can instantly redefine his team’s season.

The Trojans will rely on their home-field advantage and the passionate support of their student section to create a hostile environment for the visiting Wahawks. Expect East to play with a high motor and physical intensity, aiming to control the line of scrimmage and dictate the pace of the game. A win would not only be a monumental start to their season but also a definitive statement to the rest of their opponents on the schedule, including their own upcoming bouts with Marshalltown and Fort Dodge.

Key Matchups and X-Factors

While both teams feature new personnel stepping into starting roles, several key matchups will likely decide the outcome of this gritty opener.

• The Trenches: The battle at the line of scrimmage is always paramount. Which offensive line can establish the run game and protect its quarterback? The defensive front that generates the most pressure will give its team a significant advantage.

• Quarterback Composure: The quarterbacks for both teams will be making their first varsity start in an incredibly high-pressure environment. The signal-caller who manages the nerves, avoids costly turnovers, and makes smart decisions under pressure will lead his team to victory.

• Special Teams: In what is often predicted to be a close game, special teams play becomes magnified. A made or missed field goal, a momentum-swinging kick return, or a well-placed punt could be the difference between a win and a loss.

• Emotional Control: The team that harnesses the emotion of the rivalry without letting it lead to penalties and mental mistakes will put itself in a position to win. Discipline will be just as important as talent.

The Common Opponent Factor

Looking ahead on the schedule, both teams share common opponents in Fort Dodge and Marshalltown. This season-opening game serves as a fascinating preview of how each squad might fare in those critical contests. A strong performance tonight could provide a strategic and psychological edge for those future games, making this matchup even more significant for the long-term trajectory of each team’s season.

For a comprehensive look at how these teams and others across the state stack up for these pivotal matchups, be sure to follow all the coverage on Iowa High School Football.

Game Information and How to Follow

The showdown between the Waterloo West Wahawks and the Waterloo East Trojans is set for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The battle will take place at the historic Waterloo Memorial Stadium, located at 1015 Independence Ave, Waterloo, IA.

For fans unable to attend in person, both schools are seeking live reporters to provide real-time updates and commentary through Scoretracker. This ensures that every big play, every crucial turnover, and the final score will be available to supporters wherever they are.

Prediction and Final Thoughts

Predicting the outcome of a rivalry game, especially an opener, is a fool’s errand. With both teams featuring new faces and untested combinations, the first few possessions will be crucial for feeling out the game. Waterloo West may enter with a slight ranking advantage, but Waterloo East’s home-field passion and desire to defy expectations will make this an instant classic.

Expect a hard-hitting, defensive struggle early on, with the offenses finding their footing as the game progresses. The team that minimizes mistakes and makes a clutch play in the fourth quarter will likely emerge victorious.

One thing is certain: when the Wahawks and Trojans collide, you can throw the record books out the window. This is for more than a win; it’s for pride, for tradition, and for the city of Waterloo. It’s the perfect way to kick off another incredible season of Iowa high school football.

For continued coverage of this game and every other matchup across the state, keep your browser locked to Iowa High School Football for scores, analysis, and insider reports all season long.