JOHNSTON, IA – Under the bright Friday night lights of Johnston High School, the 2025 Iowa high school football season ignites with a heavyweight non-conference clash that has the entire state talking. The Johnston Dragons host the Waukee Warriors in a Week 1 showdown that is about much more than two 0-0 records. It’s a statement game, a tone-setter, and a premier matchup that will immediately reshape the early-season Class 5A landscape. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM on Friday, August 29.

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

For fans across the state, this is the first real taste of high-stakes football after a long offseason. This Waukee vs. Johnston matchup serves as the perfect opening act, pitting a traditionally powerful program against an emerging state title contender. The energy in Johnston is palpable, promising an electric atmosphere to welcome back the greatest show in Iowa.

Breaking Down the Matchup: Warriors vs. Dragons

On paper, this game is a classic contrast. The Johnston Dragons enter the fray carrying significant preseason hype. Early state and national rankings have placed a target on their backs, slotting them at #14 in Iowa and #1,002 nationally. More impressively, they begin the campaign ranked 10th within the ultra-competitive Class 5A. This ranking reflects not only last season’s success but the immense potential and returning talent that has coaches and analysts buzzing.

Across the field, the Waukee Warriors embody a different kind of threat. Ranked #30 in the state and #1,825 nationally, they may fly under the radar compared to their hosts. However, savvy Iowa high school football fans know that underestimating a program like Waukee is a monumental mistake. They bring a history of success and a hard-nosed mentality that can disrupt even the most well-laid plans. Their #10 ranking in Class 5A signals they are still very much a force to be reckoned with.

The raw data shows two teams with identical blank slates: 0-0 overall, 0-0 at home, 0-0 on the road. But the numbers that truly matter will be written on the scoreboard after four quarters of hard-hitting action.

Keys to the Game: Where the Battle Will Be Won

For the home-standing Johnston Dragons, victory will likely hinge on their ability to leverage their offensive firepower early. Playing in front of a home crowd provides a tangible adrenaline boost. The Dragons must capitalize on that energy, establish a rhythm, and put points on the board to silence the traveling Waukee supporters. Their offensive line needs to control the line of scrimmage, giving their skilled playmakers the space to turn short gains into explosive plays. Defensively, they must contain Waukee’s ground game and force them into obvious passing situations.

The Waukee Warriors’ path to an opening-night upset lies in discipline and physicality. As the visitors, they need to embrace a road-dog mentality. Their best strategy is to start fast, quiet the crowd, and impose their will with a strong running attack that chews clock and keeps Johnston’s high-octane offense watching from the sideline. Defensively, the Warriors must be fundamentally sound, avoiding the missed tackles and big-play breakdowns that can doom a team against a potent offense. Creating early pressure and forcing turnovers could be the great equalizer.

The Bigger Picture: A Launchpad for the Season

While this is technically a non-conference game, its implications will ripple through the entire season. For Johnston, a decisive win validates their top-tier ranking and builds crucial momentum as they head into a brutal schedule. It sends a message to the entire state that they are legitimate title contenders.

For Waukee, a victory on the road against a highly-ranked opponent is a massive statement. It immediately announces that reports of their decline were greatly exaggerated and re-establishes them as a primary threat in Class 5A. The confidence gained from such a win can propel a team through a long and grueling season.

Both teams also have key common opponents looming later in the schedule, namely clashes with Iowa powerhouses Ankeny and Dowling Catholic. The performance in this opener will provide a valuable measuring stick for those future contests. How a team handles the speed and physicality in this game will tell coaches exactly what they need to work on before those critical conference and district battles.

How to Follow the Action

The stands at Johnston High School will be the place to be for any fan of Iowa high school football. For those who cannot make it in person, following the game live is essential.

We encourage fans from both communities to get involved. Are you a dedicated parent, student, or superfan attending the game? Be Waukee’s Live Reporter or Be Johnston’s Live Reporter by contributing real-time score updates, key play descriptions, and photos directly to the scoretracker. Your firsthand accounts make the virtual experience thrilling for everyone tuning in from across the state.

This game is just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible season of Iowa high school football. For continuous coverage, in-depth analysis, and live updates for every big game, make sure to follow all the action at HS Football Insider’s Iowa category. We are your home for everything from the opening kickoff to the championship finals in Cedar Falls.

Final Prediction and Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Johnston High School will be nothing short of electric. The buzz of the first game night, the smell of grilled burgers, the marching band’s fight song, and the collective roar of the crowd on third down—it’s all back. This is what makes high school football in Iowa a cherished tradition.

Games like these are often won by the team that makes the fewest mistakes. Both squads will have first-game jitters, and the team that settles in the quickest will gain a significant advantage.

While Johnston holds the edge on paper with their higher ranking and the benefit of home field, the Warriors have the pedigree and toughness to make this a four-quarter war. Expect a physical, defensive struggle early that opens up into a dramatic second-half battle.

In the end, the Dragons’ offensive versatility and the energy from their home crowd might prove to be the difference. But in a rivalry opener, anything can happen. One thing is certain: football is back in Iowa, and it starts with a can’t-miss clash between the Waukee Warriors and the Johnston Dragons.

Be sure to check HS Football Insider after the final whistle for a complete recap, stats, and analysis of this premier Week 1 matchup.