SHELBYVILLE, KY – The lights at Shelby County High School will burn bright this Friday night, August 29th, as the Rockets host the Oldham County Colonels in a highly anticipated non-conference showdown. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM, and this early-season matchup promises to deliver a hard-hitting, emotional battle between two programs looking to define their 2025 campaigns.

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

For comprehensive coverage of this game and all Kentucky high school football action, stay locked to Kentucky High School Football Insider.

A Tale of Two Openers

The narrative for this game is framed by Week 1’s contrasting results. The Oldham County Colonels stormed out of the gates, securing a decisive 41-21 victory and announcing themselves as a force to start the season. Their offense clicked from the opening whistle, putting up a formidable point total that has undoubtedly caught the attention of every team on their schedule.

Conversely, the Shelby County Rockets faced a tough opening test on the road, falling 40-26. Despite the loss, the Rockets showed fight, putting 26 points on the board—a sign of an offense with playmaking potential. Now, they return to the friendly confines of their home field, desperate to protect their house and even their record in front of their fans.

Team Rankings and Statistical Glance

The early-season numbers paint a clear picture of these two squads.

Oldham County Colonels (1-0)

• National Rank: 5,975

• State Rank (KY): 78

• Regional Rank: 24

• Points For/Against: 41.0 / 21.0

Shelby County Rockets (0-1)

• National Rank: 9,361

• State Rank (KY): 137

• Regional Rank: 28

• Points For/Against: 26.0 / 40.0

While rankings this early can be volatile, the Colonels hold a distinct advantage on paper. Their dominant win has positioned them higher in every major ranking category. However, rankings are not won on paper, and the Rockets will be laser-focused on using this game as an opportunity to skyrocket up those very same lists.

Key Players to Watch

Every great team has its catalysts, and this matchup features individual talent that can change the game in an instant.

For the Oldham County Colonels:
The Colonels’ offense runs through its dynamic backfield. Keep your eyes on #3 Gabriel Dreher, the team’s workhorse running back. Dreher is averaging an impressive 66 rushing yards per game, a figure that far exceeds the national average. His ability to grind out tough yards and break big plays will be central to Oldham County’s game plan. Through the air, quarterback #22 Briley Staples has shown efficiency, averaging 42 passing yards. His primary target is #2 Andrew Clay, who leads the receiving corps with 26 yards per game. This trio forms a balanced offensive attack that Shelby County’s defense must contain.

For the Shelby County Rockets:
The Rockets’ offense will look to establish its ground game early. While specific names aren’t listed in the provided stats, the team averaged 128 rushing yards in their opener. Finding the primary ball carrier who can control the clock and keep Oldham’s offense on the sidelines will be crucial. The passing game, which generated 47 yards, will need to find more consistency to keep the defense honest and open up running lanes. Defensively, the entire unit must rally after giving up 40 points. Generating turnovers and creating pressure in the backfield will be their top priority.

The Strategic Battle

This game will be won in the trenches and on the sidelines through strategic adjustments.

Oldham County will likely aim to establish their dominance early. With the potent rushing attack led by Dreher, expect the Colonels to test Shelby County’s defensive line repeatedly. A successful ground game will open up play-action opportunities for QB Staples to find his receivers downfield. Defensively, Oldham must key on Shelby’s run game and force them into obvious passing situations.

For Shelby County, the formula for an upset starts with a fast start. Playing at home, they need to channel that energy into an early score to build confidence and silence the visiting crowd. Their offense must find balance; they cannot become one-dimensional. Defensively, the Rockets must find a way to slow down Dreher. Stacking the box and forcing Staples to beat them through the air could be their best bet. Creating a couple of key turnovers could completely shift the momentum and give their offense short fields to work with.

The Intangibles: Home Field and Redemption

Beyond the X’s and O’s, this game is dripping with intangible storylines.

Home Field Advantage: The Rockets are playing their home opener. There’s nothing like the energy of a hometown crowd on a Friday night to fuel a team. Shelby County will feed off that emotion, hoping it provides the extra push needed to pull off the victory.

A Quest for Redemption: An 0-2 start is a deep hole no team wants to face. For Shelby County, this game is about more than just a win; it’s about salvaging their early-season aspirations and proving their Week 1 performance was a fluke. That desperate, backs-against-the-wall mentality can be a powerful motivator.

Building Momentum: For Oldham County, this is a classic “trap game.” After a big win, can they avoid a letdown and handle business on the road? A 2-0 start would provide immense confidence and solidify their position as a team to watch in Kentucky. They will be playing to prove their first game was no accident and that they are a legitimate contender.

How to Follow the Action

Can’t make it to Shelbyville? Digital tickets for the game are available for purchase in advance on GoFan. For those following from home, both schools are seeking live reporters to provide real-time updates and commentary on platforms like Scoretracker.

For the most in-depth analysis, pre-game updates, and post-game coverage of this matchup and every other Kentucky high school football game, make HS Football Insider your go-to destination.

Prediction: What to Expect

Expect a physical, hard-fought contest from the opening kickoff. Oldham County enters as the favorite based on their explosive offensive showing and higher rankings. Their balanced attack, led by a strong rushing game, gives them a tangible edge.

However, counting out Shelby County at home would be a mistake. The Rockets have talent and will play with a level of desperation that can erase talent gaps. Their ability to run the ball effectively will be the key to keeping the game close.

In the end, Oldham County’s offensive firepower and the momentum from their strong start might be too much to overcome. Look for the Colonels to control the line of scrimmage and make just enough plays to secure a hard-fought road victory. But don’t be surprised if Shelby County pushes them to the limit, making this a must-watch game for any Kentucky high school football fan.

Final Score Prediction: Oldham County 34, Shelby County 27

Be sure to tune in Friday night for what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the Oldham County vs. Shelby County rivalry.