BARDSTOWN, KY – The early-season Kentucky high school football schedule delivers a compelling non-conference showdown this Friday, August 29th, as the Washington County Commanders travel to face the Bethlehem Eagles. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM at Bethlehem High School. This matchup pits a Commander squad eager to prove its 1-0 start is no fluke against an Eagle team desperate to avoid an 0-2 hole in front of its home crowd.

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

For fans who cannot make it to Bardstown, a live video stream will be available on the NFHS Network. Digital tickets are exclusively available for purchase on GoFan, emphasizing the move toward cashless gate transactions.

This game is one of many crucial early tests for teams across the state. For a complete look at all the action, follow our coverage of Kentucky High School Football events.

Team Profiles: Commanders Soar, Eagles Grounded in Week 1

The Washington County Commanders (Springfield, KY) enter this contest riding high. They grinded out a hard-fought 21-14 victory in their opener, demonstrating clutch play on both sides of the ball. That win immediately matches a quarter of their total victories from the entire 2024 season, signaling a potential shift in momentum for the program. Ranked 141st in the state, the Commanders are looking to climb the ladder and establish themselves as a more formidable force in Class 2A.

Conversely, the Bethlehem Eagles (Bardstown, KY) are coming off a tough 26-21 road loss to Marion County. Despite the defeat, their offense showed potency, putting 21 points on the board. The narrow margin suggests a team that fought until the final whistle, but now faces the urgency of correcting minor mistakes to secure a win. Ranked slightly higher than their opponents at 125th in Kentucky, the Eagles need a strong performance to validate that ranking and get their 2025 campaign on track.

Breaking Down the Matchup

On paper, this game shapes up to be an incredibly even contest. Both teams averaged exactly 21 points in their first outing, indicating offensive units that found a rhythm. The stark difference lies in the defenses. Washington County’s defense made key stops to preserve a seven-point win, while Bethlehem’s defense conceded 26 points in a losing effort.

The common opponent factor adds a fascinating layer of intrigue. Bethlehem already faced Marion County, falling by five points. Washington County has Marion County on its schedule for next week. The Commanders will undoubtedly dissect the film from Bethlehem’s game, looking for weaknesses in the Marion County scheme that they can exploit later, and perhaps identifying tendencies Bethlehem showed that they can use to their advantage this Friday.

Keys to the Game

For Washington County:

• Maintain Defensive Momentum: The Commander defense won them Week 1. Replicating that disciplined, hard-hitting performance against another capable offense is paramount. Putting pressure on the Bethlehem quarterback and containing the Eagles’ rushing attack will be their primary focus.

• Establish the Run Early: Controlling the clock and the line of scrimmage on offense will keep the Eagles’ offense on the sideline. A steady diet of running plays can wear down a defense and open up play-action opportunities later in the game.

• Play Confident: Starting 1-0 provides a massive boost. The Commanders must harness that confidence on the road and avoid early mistakes that could energize the Bethlehem home crowd.

For Bethlehem:

• Clean Up the Mistakes: A five-point loss often comes down to a few critical errors—a turnover, a missed assignment, a costly penalty. The Eagles’ coaching staff has surely emphasized eliminating these self-inflicted wounds throughout practice this week.

• Protect the Home Field: There is no better remedy for a road loss than a dominant performance in your home opener. The Eagles need to feed off the energy of their fans and come out with heightened intensity from the opening kickoff.

• Test the Washington County Secondary: While the Commander defense was stout, Bethlehem’s ability to put up 21 points shows they have weapons. Taking calculated deep shots and spreading the ball around could be the key to unlocking the Washington County defense.

What’s at Stake?

For Washington County, a victory here would launch them to a surprising 2-0 start, building incredible momentum and belief before they head into their matchup with common opponent Marion County. It would be a massive statement that this year’s team is different.

For Bethlehem, the stakes are simple: avoid an 0-2 start. While non-conference games are primarily for tuning up before district play, an 0-2 record can be a difficult mental hurdle for any team to overcome. A win would right the ship, build confidence, and provide a positive foundation for the rest of the season.

Be sure to check HS Football Insider for all your Kentucky High School Football news, scores, and updates throughout the season. We are your premier source for in-depth coverage from across the Bluegrass State.

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