The highly anticipated 2025 Louisiana high school football season is here, and it’s kicking off with a bang. In a thrilling non-conference showdown, the Alexandria Trojans will travel to face the Sterlington Panthers on Thursday, August 28, at Sterlington High School. Both teams are starting the season with a clean slate, each holding a 0-0 record, but their recent history and state rankings suggest this is more than just a typical season opener. This game pits two of Louisiana’s top programs against each other, setting the tone for the entire season.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Alexandria Trojans (LA) vs Sterlington Panthers (LA)
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: Sterlington High School 6:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

A Clash of Titans: The Rankings Don’t Lie

While both teams are at the same starting point on their records, their reputations precede them. The Alexandria Trojans enter the season ranked 19th in the state, an impressive standing that places them among the elite in Louisiana. Their national ranking of 1,003 is equally respectable, reflecting a program with a long history of success. The Trojans’ recent strong performance, including a trip to the state championship game in 2024, has established them as a consistent contender in the state’s top classification, Class 5A. This is a team that knows how to win and how to navigate a tough schedule.

The Sterlington Panthers, while not as highly ranked on a national scale, are still a formidable force. They hold the 57th spot in Louisiana and are ranked 4th in their class, a testament to their strength within their own classification. The Panthers are a program built on a legacy of excellence, including state championships in 2016 and 2021. They consistently compete at a high level and are known for their physical and disciplined style of play. For the Trojans, this is a tough road test against a smaller, yet exceptionally well-coached, team with a championship pedigree.

Breaking Down the Matchup

This game presents a fascinating contrast in styles and a crucial early-season challenge for both squads. The Trojans, who compete in the larger Class 5A, are accustomed to facing a relentless gauntlet of top-tier opponents. Their schedule features perennial powerhouses like Union Parish, Ouachita Parish, and Neville. These matchups have helped forge a tough, resilient team ready for any challenge.

On the other side, the Panthers, a Class 3A team, also have a rigorous schedule ahead. Their season includes games against the likes of Union Parish, Ouachita Parish, and Neville, highlighting the overlap in strength of schedule. Both teams have already shown they’re not afraid to challenge themselves, and their ability to compete against common opponents will offer an early barometer for their respective seasons.

For the Trojans, this non-conference game is an opportunity to prove their high ranking is deserved and to build momentum heading into their district schedule. A strong showing against a reputable team like Sterlington will be a statement win. For the Panthers, beating a higher-classification team like Alexandria would be a massive confidence booster and a statement to the rest of the state that they are a serious title threat.

Players to Watch

While the full rosters for the 2025 season are not yet official, recent team performance and player accolades provide clues as to who will be making plays. Alexandria’s defense will be one to watch, especially with standout linebacker Xzavier White leading the charge. A consensus first-team all-state selection in 2024, White recorded an impressive 188 tackles last season. His ability to read offenses and disrupt plays will be a key factor in slowing down the Panthers’ attack. The Trojans’ offense, which was explosive in 2024, will also be looking to establish a rhythm early. Quarterbacks Karsen Sellers and Max Gassiott shared snaps last season and their collective experience will be vital in orchestrating the offensive game plan.

On the Sterlington side, their offense is led by senior quarterback Je’marcus Weatherspoon, a returning starter with experience and a strong work ethic. He will be looking to connect with senior wide receivers Dorin Sellers and Deon Melton. In the backfield, senior running back Jaylen James and junior B.J. Strickland will be key to the Panthers’ ground game. On defense, senior linebacker Brody Innerarity provides leadership and a physical presence, while defensive ends Carrion and Aguirre will look to pressure the Trojans’ backfield.

The Setting: Thursday Night Lights

The game is set for a Thursday night at 6:00 PM at Sterlington High School, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. A Thursday kickoff for a non-conference matchup adds to the unique feel of the event. Fans from both communities will be eager to see their teams in action for the first time this season. The home-field advantage could prove to be a significant factor for the Panthers as they look to defend their turf against a higher-ranked opponent.

This matchup is a perfect showcase for Louisiana high school football, pitting two successful programs against each other in a game that will have implications well beyond the final score. It’s an opportunity for both teams to make an early statement and prove they are ready to contend for a state title.