PAULLINA, IA – The Friday night lights blaze back to life in Iowa as the West Monona Spartans travel to face the South O’Brien Wolverines in a highly anticipated Week Zero non-conference showdown. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM at South O’Brien High School, marking the official start of the 2025 campaign for both squads.

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

This season opener presents a classic battle of unknowns. Both teams enter the fray with pristine 0-0 records, their national, state, and class rankings yet to be shaped by on-field performance. For the Spartans of Onawa and the Wolverines of Paullina, this game is more than just a first contest; it is a statement opportunity, a chance to set the tone for the entire season ahead.

A Tale of Two Teams: Breaking Down the Preseason Landscape

According to the initial Class rankings from HSFootballInsider.com, the Wolverines hold a slight numerical edge coming into the new season. South O’Brien enters the year ranked 40th in their class in Iowa and 236th overall in the state. The West Monona Spartans are positioned closely behind, ranked 47th in their class and 254th statewide. These numbers, however, are merely projections. They mean nothing once the opening whistle blows under the Paullina sky.

The historical records from the previous season (2024-25) show both programs finished with identical 0-0 marks, indicating a clean reset for this new chapter. With no head-to-head history and no common opponents from last season to analyze, this matchup is a true leap into the unknown for coaches, players, and fans alike. The lack of previous data puts a premium on preparation, offseason development, and execution on game day.

All the intrigue for this Iowa High School Football matchup can be found on our HSFootballInsider.com Iowa High School Football hub, your home for scores, stats, and stories all season long.

Keys to the Game: West Monona Spartans

For the Spartans, starting the season on the road requires immediate mental toughness. The long bus ride to Paullina will test their focus. Head Coach’s game plan will likely center on establishing a physical identity early.

The Spartan offense must find its rhythm quickly. With a points-for (PF) column sitting at zero, the primary objective is to move the chains and control the clock. Look for West Monona to test the Wolverines’ defensive front with a steady dose of the running game, aiming to wear down the home team and silence the crowd. Success on early downs will be critical to avoid long third-down situations in a hostile environment.

Defensively, the Spartans face the same challenge. Their points-against (PA) is also a perfect zero, a stat they will aim to preserve for as long as possible. The defensive line and linebackers must be disciplined in their gaps and relentless in their pursuit. Generating pressure on the South O’Brien quarterback and creating one or two early turnovers could provide the spark needed to seize momentum on the road.

Keys to the Game: South O’Brien Wolverines

The Wolverines have a golden opportunity to defend their home turf and start the season 1-0. The energy of a home crowd at South O’Brien High School can provide an undeniable adrenaline boost for a team looking to make an early statement.

South O’Brien’s offense must leverage its slight preseason ranking advantage into production on the field. The Wolverines will look to exploit any early-season miscues from the West Monona defense. A balanced offensive attack that keeps the Spartans guessing could be the key to unlocking the end zone. Establishing a lead early would allow the Wolverines to play with confidence and control the game’s tempo.

Defensively, the Wolverines need to counteract West Monona’s expected physicality. The linebacking corps must be ready to fill running lanes and deliver hard tackles. If the Spartans aim to establish the run, South O’Brien’s defensive success will hinge on winning the battle at the line of scrimmage. Forcing the Spartans into obvious passing situations will allow their pass rushers to pin their ears back and disrupt the offensive flow.

The X-Factors: First-Game Jitters and Depth

In any season opener, the most significant opponent is often the players themselves. First-game jitters, penalties, and unforced errors are as much a part of Week Zero as the kickoff itself. The team that can settle its nerves the fastest, minimize mental mistakes, and execute the fundamentals will seize a massive advantage.

Furthermore, depth will play a crucial role, especially in the second half. The Iowa summer heat and the brutal physicality of football will test both rosters. The team with the better-conditioned and deeper bench may find itself pulling away in the fourth quarter as fatigue sets in for the opposition.

How to Follow the Action

For fans unable to make the trip to Paullina, both schools have opportunities for live updates. The Scoretracker system is active, and the call is out for live reporters from each school to provide real-time commentary and play-by-play.

Of course, for comprehensive coverage of this game and every other major matchup across the state, be sure to bookmark HSFootballInsider.com. Our dedicated Iowa High School Football section is your one-stop shop for everything from preseason previews to playoff pushes.

Prediction and Outlook

Predicting the outcome of a game between two teams with so many unknowns is a challenge. On paper, South O’Brien’s slight edge in preseason rankings and the advantage of playing at home makes them a tentative favorite. The energy of their home crowd could provide the extra push needed in what will likely be a tight, hard-fought contest.

However, West Monona will travel with a purpose. They understand that a road victory to open the season would be a monumental boost for team morale and their standing. If the Spartans can control the line of scrimmage and avoid costly turnovers, they are more than capable of returning to Onawa with a 1-0 record.

Expect a low-scoring, defensive battle early as both teams shake off the rust. The game will likely be decided in the second half, by a key turnover, a special teams play, or a single sustained drive that breaks the will of the opposing defense.

One thing is certain: when the Spartans and Wolverines clash on Friday night, it will be a pure form of Iowa high school football. It is a battle of potential, passion, and pride. It is the beginning of a new journey, and for one of these teams, it will be the first step toward a memorable season.

Make sure to check HSFootballInsider.com after the final whistle for a full recap, stats, and analysis from this and all the other exciting Iowa High School Football action this weekend.