PIGEON FORGE, KY – The lights of Cam Stadium will burn bright this Friday night for a heavyweight non-conference showdown that has the entire Bluegrass State talking. The Belfry Pirates (1-0), fresh off an offensive explosion, welcome the Central Yellow Jackets (0-1) of Louisville to the mountains for a classic early-season test. This Central vs Belfry matchup, scheduled for a 7:30 PM kickoff on Friday, August 29, is more than just a game; it’s a battle of tradition, pride, and a critical measuring stick for two programs with championship aspirations.
What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Central vs Belfry
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Belfry High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
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A Tale of Two Openers
The 2025 season could not have begun more differently for these two proud squads.
The Belfry Pirates traveled to Virginia and authored a statement victory, dismantling their opponent 55-28. The Pirates’ offense operated like a well-oiled machine from the opening whistle, racking up points in every quarter. A dominant first-half performance, where they outscored their opponent 35-0, set the tone and allowed the Pirates to cruise, showcasing a balanced and potent attack that will give any defensive coordinator nightmares.
Conversely, the Central Yellow Jackets faced a brutal opening test and stumbled, falling 42-0. The loss, a rarity for a program of Central’s caliber, exposed some early-season kinks that Head Coach Marvin Dantzler and his staff will be desperate to iron out. The Yellow Jackets’ offense struggled to find any rhythm, failing to put points on the board, while the defense had difficulty containing a dynamic opponent.
Statistical Deep Dive: Pirates’ Firepower vs. Jackets’ Resilience
A glance at the Week 1 numbers reveals the stark contrast in momentum.
Belfry’s Offensive Juggernaut:
The Pirates boast a staggering scoring average of 55.0 points per game. Their offense is not just prolific; it’s consistently dangerous. They average a blistering 21.0 points in the first quarter alone, demonstrating an ability to start fast and put immediate pressure on their opponents. With 14.0 points in the second quarter and double digits in the fourth, they show no signs of letting up.
Central’s Defensive Standouts:
Despite the team’s struggles, individual Yellow Jackets flashed playmaking ability. Defensive leader Jalen Dantzler (#9) paced the team with 6.0 tackles, showing a nose for the football. The defensive line, led by Jaylon Benning Wyatt (#10), who recorded a sack, proved they can generate pressure. The key for Central will be translating these individual efforts into a cohesive, four-quarter defensive performance against Belfry’s multifaceted attack.
Offensive Questions for Central:
The Yellow Jackets managed 154.0 total yards per game in their opener. The ground game, spearheaded by Brian Marshall (#39), who rushed for 29.0 yards, needs to find more traction to establish a balanced offense. The passing game, led by quarterback Phillip Baker Jr. (#1), showed glimpses of potential. Baker Jr. threw for 109.0 yards, with his favorite target, Jaden Perry (#12), hauling in 35.0 receiving yards. Establishing this connection early will be crucial for Central to keep pace.
Belfry’s complete statistical profile from Week 1 remains under wraps, which adds an element of mystery to this Central vs Belfry clash. The Pirates’ ability to put up 55 points speaks for itself, but the specific leaders in rushing, passing, and receiving are yet to be officially confirmed, giving Central’s scouts less film to dissect.
Key Matchups to Watch
The outcome of this game will likely be decided in a few critical battles on the field.
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Belfry’s Offensive Line vs. Central’s Pass Rush: Can Central’s defensive front, featuring Wyatt, disrupt Belfry’s timing and backfield flow? If the Pirates’ O-line gives their playmakers time and space, it could be a long night for the Jackets’ secondary.
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Phillip Baker Jr. vs. Belfry’s Secondary: Baker Jr. is the engine of Central’s offense. His ability to make quick decisions, avoid turnovers, and connect with Perry and other receivers will determine if the Yellow Jackets can sustain drives and put points on the board. He will need to be poised under the likely intense pressure from a confident Belfry defense.
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The Turnover Battle: In a game with such contrasting Week 1 results, momentum is everything. A single early takeaway could provide Central with the confidence boost they desperately need. Conversely, if Belfry protects the ball and forces Central into mistakes, they can quickly seize control of the game’s tempo.
The Intangibles: Tradition and Turf
This Central vs Belfry matchup is rich with narrative.
Belfry enjoys a significant home-field advantage. Playing in the mountains, in front of a passionate home crowd, provides an energy boost that is tangible. The Pirates will be looking to protect their house and move to 2-0, solidifying their early-season status as a force in Class 3A.
For Central, this game is about response. How does a proud program, ranked 5th in its region, bounce back from a difficult loss? A strong performance, or even an upset victory on the road, would completely reset their season narrative. The Yellow Jackets have the talent and the coaching; it’s about execution and heart.
What to Expect
Fans attending this Central vs Belfry showdown should expect a physical, hard-hitting contest.
Belfry will look to establish their dominant run game early, control the clock, and use their home crowd’s energy to build another early lead. Their defense will be aggressive, aiming to confuse Baker Jr. and force the Yellow Jackets into becoming one-dimensional.
Central’s game plan must focus on a strong start. They cannot afford to let Belfry jump out to another multi-score lead. Establishing Marshall in the run game to set up play-action passes for Baker Jr. will be crucial. Defensively, they must tackle efficiently in space and find a way to get Belfry’s offense off the field on third down.
Prediction Outlook
On paper, based solely on Week 1 results, Belfry enters as the clear favorite. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, and they have the confidence of a decisive road win. However, underestimating a wounded Central team would be a mistake. The Yellow Jackets are too well-coached and too talented to have two poor performances in a row.
This game will likely be closer than the initial statistics suggest. Central’s pride will be on display, and they will come out fighting. Ultimately, Belfry’s offensive firepower and the home-field advantage might be the difference-makers in a contest that could be decided in the fourth quarter.
Final Word: This Central vs Belfry game is exactly what high school football is all about. It’s a cross-state clash between two programs with rich histories, each with something to prove. For Belfry, it’s about validating their hot start. For Central, it’s about redemption and proving their mettle. It’s must-see Friday night action.
Don’t miss a second of this incredible Kentucky High School Football matchup. Follow every play, every touchdown, and every tackle live from Cam Stadium. For the most comprehensive coverage of this game and all the other thrilling action across the state, keep your browser locked on H-S Football Insider. Our team will bring you real-time updates, expert commentary, and post-game analysis you won’t find anywhere else.
