LEXINGTON, KY – The early-season stakes are already sky-high in the Bluegrass. Two programs hungry to erase the bitter taste of Week 1 defeats will collide under the Friday night lights when the Paul Laurence Dunbar Bulldogs travel to face the Lexington Catholic Knights this Friday, August 29th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM at Lexington Catholic High School.

What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Paul Laurence Dunbar vs Lexington Catholic
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Lexington Catholic High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

This non-conference showdown is more than just a game between two 0-1 teams; it’s a critical pivot point for both squads. A loss means an 0-2 hole that could derail momentum before the season truly begins. A win provides a massive confidence boost and a clear path forward. For comprehensive coverage of this and all Kentucky high school football events, visit our dedicated Kentucky High School Football section.

Week 1 Woes Set the Stage

Both teams enter this contest licking their wounds from disappointing opening performances, though the nature of their losses tells two different stories.

The Lexington Catholic Knights, a perennial power ranked 28th in the state, fell 19-6 on the road. Their offense sputtered, managing just a single touchdown, but their defense kept them within striking distance against what appears to be a formidable opponent. Ranked 2nd in their region, the Knights’ pedigree is not in question, but their Week 1 execution was uncharacteristic.

Conversely, the Paul Laurence Dunbar Bulldogs endured a brutal 48-13 defeat on a neutral field. Ranked 114th in Kentucky, the Bulldogs’ defense faced an onslaught, and the team will be desperate to establish a new identity and find stability on both sides of the ball. Their mission is clear: prove Week 1 was an aberration, not an omen.

Breaking Down the Matchup: Knights’ Defense vs. Bulldogs’ Resolve

The core narrative of this game hinges on Lexington Catholic’s staunch defense squaring off against a Dunbar offense desperate for a breakout.

Lexington Catholic Knights (0-1)
The Knights’ strength, despite the loss, clearly lies with their defensive unit. Holding a opponent to 19 points in today’s high-scoring game is an accomplishment. The scoring breakdown from their first game—0, 0, 6.0, 0—reveals a team that fights hard but struggled to finish drives until the third quarter. The shutout performance in three of four quarters is a testament to their resilience. They will look to build on that defensive foundation, applying relentless pressure on Dunbar’s offense from the opening snap. The Knights’ ability to force turnovers and create three-and-out situations will be the key to controlling the game’s tempo.

Paul Laurence Dunbar Bulldogs (0-1)
For the Bulldogs, this game is about response. How does a team respond after surrendering 48 points? The answer lies in simplified schemes, fundamental tackling, and offensive consistency. Putting up 13 points shows they have playmakers capable of finding the end zone. The challenge will be sustaining drives to keep a potent Knights offense off the field and giving their own defense time to rest and adjust. Dunbar must establish a running game early to open up play-action opportunities and avoid obvious passing downs where Lexington Catholic’s pass rush can pin its ears back.

Key Factors and Players to Watch

• The Trenches: Football games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. Lexington Catholic’s defensive line against Dunbar’s offensive front is the most critical battle on the field. If the Knights dominate up front, it could be a long night for the Bulldogs’ offense.

• Quarterback Composure: How each signal-caller bounces back from a loss will be crucial. The Knights’ QB will need to improve his red-zone efficiency, while Dunbar’s quarterback must manage the game effectively and avoid costly mistakes in a hostile road environment.

• Third Down Conversions: This stat often tells the story. Lexington Catholic will aim to force Dunbar into third-and-long situations, while the Bulldogs need to improve their third-down efficiency dramatically to extend drives and milk the clock.

• Special Teams: In what projects to be a tight, physical battle, field position is paramount. A big kick return, a clutch punt inside the 10-yard line, or a made field goal could be the difference-maker.

The Intangible: The Urgency of 0-2

While it’s only Week 2, the specter of an 0-2 start looms large for both clubs. For a highly-touted team like Lexington Catholic, an 0-2 start would be a shocking and unacceptable reality, adding immense pressure for the weeks to come. For Dunbar, starting 0-2 could threaten to define their season before it even gets started. This shared desperation guarantees that both teams will leave everything on the field. Expect a hard-hitting, emotional, and intensely competitive game from the opening kickoff.

Prediction and Outlook

On paper, Lexington Catholic holds the distinct advantage. Their Week 1 performance, though a loss, demonstrated a level of competitiveness and defensive grit that Dunbar did not show. Playing at home in front of their fans only adds to their edge.

However, high school football is rarely that simple. The team that improves the most from Week 1 to Week 2 often emerges victorious. Dunbar’s coaches have had a full week to make adjustments, and their players will be playing with a sense of purpose.

The likely scenario sees Lexington Catholic’s defense controlling the game. Their ability to stifle Dunbar’s rushing attack and generate pressure will be too much to overcome. The Knights’ offense, while not explosive in Week 1, should find more rhythm at home.

Final Score Prediction: Lexington Catholic 24, Paul Laurence Dunbar 10

The Knights’ defense will set the tone, creating a couple of key turnovers that lead to short-field scores. Dunbar will show improved fight and may keep it close into the second half, but Lexington Catholic’s overall discipline and home-field advantage will ultimately prevail, allowing them to even their record and send the Bulldogs to a frustrating 0-2 start.

How to Follow the Action

Can’t make it to the game? Eric Lanham will be on the sidelines providing live updates for the Bulldogs. Lexington Catholic fans can sign up to be the team’s live reporter to ensure every big play is covered. For live score updates, video highlights, and post-game analysis from this game and every other major matchup across the state, make HS Football Insider your go-to destination for Kentucky high school football.

This Friday night clash is more than just a game; it’s a statement opportunity. For Lexington Catholic, it’s a chance to reaffirm their status among Kentucky’s elite. For Paul Laurence Dunbar, it’s a battle for respect and a season-saving victory. One team will leave the field with renewed hope; the other will face a steep uphill climb.