LEXINGTON, KY – The Friday night lights above Tates Creek High School will illuminate a compelling non-conference showdown this August 29th, as the host Commodores (1-0) prepare to battle the visiting Blazer Tomcats (0-1) from Ashland. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM in a matchup that presents a classic tale of two teams heading in opposite directions after their opening week performances. For everything Kentucky High School Football, follow our coverage at HS Football Insider.

What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Blazer vs Tates Creek
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Tates Creek High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

This early-season test offers Blazer a chance to right the ship after a narrow Week 1 defeat, while Tates Creek looks to prove its explosive offensive outburst was no fluke and build serious momentum. The game promises high stakes and higher intensity.

Week 1 Hangover or Wake-Up Call? Blazer Looks to Rebound

The Blazer Tomcats enter this contest with a bitter taste in their mouths following a heartbreaking 17-14 loss. While an 0-1 record is never the goal, the close margin suggests a team that was right in the fight until the final whistle. The loss exposed some early-season kinks but also demonstrated a resilience that Head Coach J.D. Davis will look to harness.

A defense that allowed 17 points is certainly not a unit in crisis. The focus for Blazer will be on sharpening their offensive execution. Generating just 14 points means the Tomcats need to find more consistency in their ground and air attacks. They must establish a rhythm early against a Tates Creek team that will be riding an emotional high. The Tomcats’ national ranking of 2,375th and 31st in the state indicates a team with potential that has yet to be fully unlocked. This game is their first major opportunity to change that narrative.

For Blazer, the formula for victory is clear: control the clock, minimize turnovers, and let their defense, which showed promise in Week 1, keep them within striking distance. A win on the road against a ranked opponent would be a massive statement and instantly erase the disappointment of their opener.

Tates Creek Commodore Offense: A Well-Oiled Machine

In stark contrast, the Tates Creek Commodores are flying high after a statement victory, dismantling their opponent 66-29. A 66-point offensive explosion is the kind of performance that makes the entire state sit up and take notice. It wasn’t just the volume of points but the methodical way they were scored—20 points in the first, sixth in the second, and 20 in each of the third and fourth quarters—that shows a team capable of scoring from the opening kickoff to the final gun.

This offensive juggernaut, led by a dynamic playmaking corps, has already established itself as one of the most feared in the region. Averaging 66 points per game, even this early in the season, places immense pressure on every opponent they face. Ranked 4,032nd nationally and 45th in Kentucky, the Commodores have a chance to skyrocket up those lists with another dominant performance at home.

Head Coach Jonathan Hawks will be preaching focus this week. The challenge after such a big win is avoiding complacency. The Commodores must prove their Week 1 firework show was a sign of things to come, not a one-off anomaly. Their defense, which conceded 29 points, will also be looking to tighten up against a Blazer team hungry for points.

Positional Battles and Key Matchups to Watch

The outcome of this game will likely be decided in the trenches and on the perimeter.

• Tates Creek Offensive Line vs. Blazer Defensive Front: Can Blazer’s defensive line disrupt the Commodores’ rhythm and generate pressure? If Tates Creek’s O-line provides clean pockets and open running lanes, their skill players could be in for another huge night.

• Blazer Ball Control vs. Tates Creek’s Momentum: The Tomcats’ best defense might be a strong, time-consuming offense. Long, sustained drives that end in points will keep Tates Creek’s explosive offense on the sideline and frustrate their rhythm.

• The Turnover Battle: This classic football cliché rings especially true here. If Blazer, playing on the road, coughs up the ball, Tates Creek has shown it can turn those opportunities into points in a hurry. A clean game from the Tomcats is non-negotiable.

How to Be There: Tickets and Live Stream

For fans unable to make the trip to Tates Creek High School, the game will be available to watch live from anywhere on the NFHS Network. This is a fantastic option for alumni, family, and dedicated scouts to catch all the action.

Digital ticketing is the way to go for this matchup. Fans can securely purchase their tickets in advance through the official platform, GoFan. Avoid lines at the gate and guarantee your seat for what promises to be an electric atmosphere by securing your digital pass today.

The Bottom Line: A Cross-State Showdown with Major Implications

While still early in the 2025-26 campaign, this non-conference clash carries significant weight. For Tates Creek, it’s an opportunity to defend their home turf, validate their stunning Week 1 performance, and solidify their status as a regional contender. A 2-0 start would provide immense confidence as they look ahead to the rest of their schedule.

For Blazer, this is a character game. Traveling to face a confident opponent after a tough loss will test their mettle. A victory would be a season-defining moment, a testament to their toughness and ability to overcome adversity. A loss, while not catastrophic, would put them in an early 0-2 hole that is difficult to climb out of.

The stage is set for a classic Kentucky high school football battle. Will the Tates Creek Commodores’ offense continue its relentless assault on the scoreboard? Or will the Blazer Tomcats’ defense rise to the occasion and script a stunning road upset?

Tune in or show up on Friday, August 29th, at 7:30 PM to find out. This is one opening-month matchup you won’t want to miss. For the latest scores, updates, and news from around the state, keep it locked on HS Football Insider.