The 2025 Texas high school football season is set to open with an exciting non-conference clash between the Center Roughriders and the Jacksonville Fightin’ Indians. On Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., the two East Texas programs will meet at the historic Jacksonville Tomato Bowl in what promises to be an early-season measuring stick for both teams.
This matchup, Center vs Jacksonville, marks the season debut for both schools. With fresh rosters, clean records, and plenty to prove, fans can expect an intense contest under the Friday night lights.
For more statewide coverage, check out all Texas High School Football events.
Matchup Information
What: Texas High School Football
Who: Center vs Jacksonville
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here Now
Both programs enter the season with 0-0 records, making this opener a chance to establish momentum and set the tone for the months ahead.
Rankings and Records
While neither team has played a game yet in 2025, their placement in state and national rankings provides some context for the matchup.
| Team | National Rank | Texas Rank | Section | Division | 2025 Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center Roughriders | 1,082 | 161 | 67 | 13 | 0-0 |
| Jacksonville Fightin’ Indians | 5,368 | 636 | 288 | 72 | 0-0 |
These numbers suggest Center enters the season with a stronger preseason profile, but Jacksonville’s home-field advantage at the Tomato Bowl could level the playing field.
Common Opponents in 2025
Neither team has played yet, so there are no direct results to compare. However, both programs share upcoming games against Brownsboro and Athens later in the season.
- Center’s schedule:
- Oct. 24: Center at Brownsboro
- Oct. 31: Athens at Center
- Jacksonville’s schedule:
- Sept. 5: Brownsboro at Jacksonville
- Sept. 19: Jacksonville at Athens
These matchups may provide more insight into team strength later in the year, but for now, Center vs Jacksonville remains an open-ended battle.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
The two teams enter this contest evenly matched in terms of record breakdowns:
| Category | Center | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| League Record | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Non-League | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Head-to-Head | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Common Opponents | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Home Record | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Away Record | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Neutral Games | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Playoffs | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| In-State Games | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Out-of-State Games | 0-0 | 0-0 |
With no past head-to-head record provided, the August 29 contest becomes a fresh rivalry chapter waiting to be written.
What to Watch For
1. First Impressions Matter
Both Center and Jacksonville are entering the 2025 season untested. The opening week is critical for coaches to evaluate their players in live action and for fans to gauge how competitive their teams may be this year.
2. Home-Field Advantage at the Tomato Bowl
Jacksonville plays its games at the iconic Tomato Bowl, one of Texas high school football’s most storied venues. The Fightin’ Indians will rely on their home crowd energy to push them past a Center squad ranked higher in preseason polls.
3. Momentum into September
For both schools, securing a Week 1 win can create momentum heading into tougher mid-season matchups, including games against Brownsboro and Athens.
How Fans Can Get Involved
Fans are encouraged to follow live updates and even contribute by becoming a Scoretracker Reporter for either team. These community-driven reports help keep the local football spirit alive and ensure fans who can’t make it to the game stay connected.
- Be Center’s Live Reporter
- Be Jacksonville’s Live Reporter
To find coverage of other local and regional games, explore the state events hub.
FAQs – Center vs Jacksonville
Q: When is the Center vs Jacksonville football game?
A: Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Q: Where will the game be played?
A: The game takes place at the Jacksonville Tomato Bowl in Jacksonville, Texas.
Q: What are the current records for both teams?
A: Both Center and Jacksonville start the season at 0-0.
Q: Have these two teams faced each other recently?
A: Based on available records, there is no recent head-to-head matchup listed.
Q: Who is favored to win?
A: Center enters the season with a higher state and national ranking, but Jacksonville’s home-field advantage could be a deciding factor.
The Center vs Jacksonville matchup on August 29, 2025, is more than just an early-season game—it’s a test of preparation, resilience, and pride for two East Texas football programs. With both teams starting fresh, the Tomato Bowl will set the stage for one squad to claim its first victory of the season.
Whether you’re cheering in person or following online updates, this is one Week 1 game you won’t want to miss. For more coverage of this matchup and other Texas High School Football events, stay tuned all season long.
