The Jennings Bulldogs (LA) varsity football team is set to play a home conference game against Sam Houston Broncos (LA) on Thursday, August 28, at 4:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Jennings Bulldogs (LA) vs Sam Houston Broncos (LA)
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Where: Sam Houston High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

This year’s high school football season promises to be a battle of wills, as the Jennings Bulldogs and the Sam Houston Broncos prepare to face off. Both teams start the season with a clean slate, with identical 0-0 records across the board. The anticipation for this matchup is high, as both teams are looking to set the tone for the 2025-2026 season.

Team Rankings
The rankings suggest a competitive game, with Sam Houston holding a slight edge. The Broncos are ranked higher nationally at 2,644 compared to Jennings at 4,066. This places Sam Houston at 59th in Louisiana and 18th in their class, while Jennings sits at 95th in the state and 10th in their class. Despite the rankings, both teams have a history of strong programs, and a single game can often defy expectations.

Offensive & Defensive Outlook
Based on previous seasons and early reports, Jennings is expected to have a more balanced offense. They lost a star running back in Re’John Zeno, but his departure could lead to a more diversified attack. Look for sophomore quarterback Chris Ned to step up, with veteran wide receiver Gerald Watson as his primary target. The ground game won’t be forgotten, as a two-headed attack is set to emerge. On the defensive side, the Bulldogs return key players, including a veteran secondary led by senior defensive back Humphrey Ned.

The Sam Houston Broncos have a solid foundation with an experienced offense. Their quarterback, Hunter Watson, is back and has a number of returning playmakers to throw to, including wide receivers Qua’Vez Humphreys and Michael Phoenix. The offensive line also returns four of five starters, providing a strong front for both the pass and run game. However, the defense is a question mark, as the Broncos don’t return a single regular-season starter. They’ll need their new players and a few key transfers to step up immediately to contain opposing offenses.

The Matchup: A Clash of Strengths
This game will likely be decided by which team can impose its will on the other. For Jennings, the key will be to establish their new offensive identity. If their young quarterback can connect with his receivers and the new running backs can find their rhythm, they can put points on the board. The defense, with its returning talent, will be under pressure to perform against a potent Sam Houston offense.

For Sam Houston, the game plan seems clear: use their veteran offense to attack the Jennings defense. The pressure is on their new-look defense to hold their own. If the Broncos’ offense can capitalize on its experience and put Jennings in a hole early, they can control the tempo of the game.

With both teams starting the season with a clean slate and something to prove, this promises to be an exciting opener. The slight ranking advantage goes to Sam Houston, but the unpredictability of a season opener and the return of some key players for Jennings could make for a tight contest.