High school football in Missouri kicks off in dramatic fashion as Lebanon vs Webb City headlines the opening week. On Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., Webb City High School will be the site of this marquee non-conference battle. Both programs enter the season with identical 0-0 records, but each brings with it a strong reputation, high expectations, and a hunger to start the season on the right note.
Matchup: Lebanon vs Webb City
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here
This matchup pairs two programs with nearly identical preseason rankings, making it one of the most evenly matched season openers in the state. Fans should expect a competitive game where execution, discipline, and early-season chemistry will matter just as much as raw talent.
Team Rankings Entering Week One
Lebanon Yellowjackets
Lebanon begins the 2025 campaign with a national ranking of 1,423, standing 21st in Missouri and 6th in their class. While these preseason rankings give the Yellowjackets a solid profile, they also set expectations that the program will contend at a high level again this fall.
Their record stands at 0-0, but their track record suggests a competitive season ahead.
- Overall Record: 0-0
- Home Record: 0-0
- Away Record: 0-0
- Win %: .000 (season yet to begin)
- Points For (PF): 0
- Points Against (PA): 0
Webb City Cardinals
On the other sideline, Webb City enters the year with a national ranking of 1,448, placing them 23rd in Missouri and 7th in their class. These rankings are nearly identical to Lebanon’s, creating an exciting dynamic for a season-opening clash.
Like Lebanon, Webb City’s numbers are reset for the new year, giving them a clean slate.
- Overall Record: 0-0
- Home Record: 0-0
- Away Record: 0-0
- Win %: .000
- Points For (PF): 0
- Points Against (PA): 0
Record Breakdown
Both Lebanon and Webb City open 2025 with no games played yet. Their records align across all categories:
- Overall: 0-0
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 0-0
- Head-to-Head: 0-0
- Common Opponents: 0-0
- Home: 0-0
- Away: 0-0
- Neutral: 0-0
- Playoff: 0-0
- In-State: 0-0
- Out-of-State: 0-0
This shared clean slate ensures that neither team holds a statistical advantage heading into Aug. 29.
Common Opponents in 2025
Both programs will square off against several of the same opponents later this season. How they fare in those games will serve as measuring sticks throughout the fall:
- Joplin – Lebanon (9/5) | Webb City (10/24)
- Neosho – Lebanon (9/12) | Webb City (9/26)
- Willard – Lebanon (9/19) | Webb City (10/10)
- Nixa – Lebanon (9/25) | Webb City (9/5)
- Ozark – Lebanon (10/3) | Webb City (9/19)
- Kickapoo – Lebanon (10/10) | Webb City (9/12)
These shared matchups will allow comparisons later in the season, but the opener itself offers an immediate chance to test each team’s readiness.
Key Storylines Heading into Kickoff
1. A True Battle of Equals
With rankings placing Lebanon 21st and Webb City 23rd in Missouri, there’s little separation between the two programs on paper. This balance creates the potential for a tightly contested matchup where small details decide the outcome.
2. Early Season Identity Check
Week one games often reveal whether teams are disciplined or still shaking off preseason rust. Both coaching staffs will use this contest to evaluate execution, depth, and leadership.
3. Lebanon’s Road Test
Traveling to Webb City adds an extra challenge for Lebanon. Winning on the road in a season opener demands composure and focus, especially against a historically strong program like the Cardinals.
4. Webb City’s Home Advantage
Opening at home provides Webb City with the comfort of familiar surroundings and strong fan support. That energy could help the Cardinals set the tone early.
Why This Game Matters
While this contest does not affect league standings, it carries heavy weight for both teams. For Lebanon, a win would validate their high state ranking and give them confidence heading into their conference slate. For Webb City, protecting home field against a top-tier opponent would provide an equally powerful statement.
Non-conference games like this also shape perception. Coaches, fans, and future opponents will watch closely to see which program shows the discipline and toughness to compete at the highest levels in Missouri.
Following the Action
Fans can engage directly by serving as live reporters for either team, providing real-time updates and insights for those unable to attend in person.
For additional coverage of Massachusetts High School Football events, visit this dedicated section.
To explore matchups and news for other states, check out the Find Your School page.
Final Thoughts
The Lebanon vs Webb City matchup on August 29, 2025, has all the ingredients of a thrilling season opener. With nearly identical rankings, clean records, and passionate fan bases, both teams enter with equal opportunity to strike first.
Lebanon will aim to prove they can win tough games on the road, while Webb City looks to showcase their resilience and protect home turf. In a contest with no historical edge and no prior head-to-head record, the story will be written entirely under the Friday night lights.
Expect intensity, energy, and the kind of early-season drama that sets the stage for a memorable Missouri high school football season.
