MONTICELLO, KY – The Friday night lights above Wayne County High School will burn bright on August 29th, setting the stage for a compelling non-conference Kentucky high school football showdown. The host Wayne County Cardinals (1-0), fresh off a dominant opening performance, will square off against the West Jessamine Colts (0-1), a team hungry to erase the bitter taste of a narrow Week 1 defeat. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM.
What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: West Jessamine vs Wayne County
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Wayne County High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
This early-season matchup presents a classic contrast in momentum. Wayne County enters with confidence soaring after a decisive 48-13 victory, while West Jessamine looks to bounce back from a hard-fought 28-30 loss. The game promises to be a critical test for both squads as they fine-tune their strategies before diving deeper into the 2025 campaign.
Team Breakdown: West Jessamine Colts
The West Jessamine Colts from Nicholasville are coming off a heartbreakingly close contest, falling by just two points in a 28-30 shootout. Despite the loss, their offense demonstrated a potent ability to put points on the board, averaging 28.0 points per game. The challenge for Head Coach Anthony Prince and his staff will be shoring up a defense that allowed 30 points and finding a way to finish tight games.
The Colts, ranked 144th in Kentucky, have no time to dwell on the past. A road game against a surging opponent like Wayne County is the ultimate opportunity to prove their resilience. The team will need key players to step up on both sides of the ball. The offense must maintain its scoring pace, while the defense faces the tall task of containing a Cardinal attack that exploded for 48 points in its opener.
An 0-1 start is never ideal, but a victory against a highly-ranked team like Wayne County on their home field would be a massive statement win that could completely shift the trajectory of West Jessamine’s season.
Team Breakdown: Wayne County Cardinals
The Wayne County Cardinals made a thunderous statement in their first game of the season, dismantling their opponent 48-13. That explosive performance has them positioned at #62 in the state rankings and has undoubtedly sent a message to the rest of Class 4A. Head Coach Shawn Thompson’s squad displayed a terrifyingly efficient offense and a stifling defense, creating a complete team performance.
The Cardinals’ offense, averaging a whopping 48.0 points, found the end zone with consistency. Their defense was equally impressive, surrendering only 13 points and making critical stops. This balanced attack makes them a formidable force, especially when playing in front of a home crowd eager for their first home game of the year.
Wayne County’s decisive win over a common opponent, Paul Laurence Dunbar, provides a intriguing data point. While West Jessamine has Dunbar on their future schedule, Wayne County has already handled them convincingly. This psychological edge could play a factor in the team’s confidence heading into the Friday night clash.
Key Matchups and Storylines to Watch
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West Jessamine’s Defense vs. Wayne County’s Offensive Momentum: This is the pivotal battle that will likely decide the game. Can the Colt defense, which showed some vulnerability in Week 1, construct a game plan to slow down the Cardinals’ multifaceted attack? If Wayne County picks up where they left off, it will be a long night for West Jessamine.
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The Resilience Factor: How will West Jessamine respond to adversity? A close loss can either galvanize a team or create doubt. Their character will be tested immediately on the road in a hostile environment. Conversely, can Wayne County avoid a letdown and maintain their high level of play after a blowout win?
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Battle in the Trenches: The line of scrimmage is where games are won and lost. West Jessamine’s offensive line must provide time for their playmakers to operate, while their defensive line needs to generate pressure to disrupt Wayne County’s rhythm. The team that controls the line will control the game.
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Home Field Advantage: The Cardinals will be playing their 2025 home opener in front of what is expected to be a packed and energetic stadium. That crowd energy can provide a significant boost, especially on big third-down stops or explosive offensive plays. The Colts must find a way to silence the crowd early.
Prediction and Significance
This game is more than just a non-conference tally in the win or loss column. For West Jessamine, it is a chance to show they are better than their record indicates and to score a program-defining win against a top-tier opponent. A victory would provide a massive surge of confidence and validate their offensive firepower.
For Wayne County, this is an opportunity to solidify their status as a serious regional contender. Protecting their home field and moving to 2-0 would prove their Week 1 performance was no fluke and build invaluable momentum as they look toward the rest of their schedule, including a future matchup with Lincoln County.
While Wayne County enters as the favorite on paper, riding a wave of momentum and possessing a clear statistical advantage, the heart of a team coming off a narrow loss should never be underestimated. West Jessamine has the offensive weapons to make this a high-scoring affair. However, the Cardinals’ combination of a explosive offense and a stout defense, coupled with the energy of their home opener, gives them the edge.
Final Score Prediction: Wayne County 38, West Jessamine 28
How to Follow the Action
Fans unable to make the trip to Monticello can follow the game through live score updates. Both schools are seeking live reporters to provide real-time commentary and play-by-play. This is a fantastic way for dedicated fans to contribute to their team’s coverage.
For comprehensive coverage of this game and all things related to Kentucky high school football, including rankings, stats, and weekly previews, make sure to visit Kentucky High School Football Insider.
The stage is set for a memorable night under the lights. Will the Wayne County Cardinals unleash another offensive onslaught and defend their home turf? Or will the West Jessamine Colts rally together, pull off the upset, and launch their season in stunning fashion? All questions will be answered Friday night at 7:30 PM.
