The 2025 Texas high school football season kicks off in style as the Ozona Lions travel to face the McCamey Badgers in a non-conference showdown on Friday, August 29, at 7 p.m. Both programs are entering the new year with a clean slate, eager to prove themselves under the Friday night lights and establish momentum before district play begins.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Texas High School Football
Who: Ozona vs McCamey
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here Now
The meeting takes place at McCamey Field, where hometown fans will pack the stands to back the Badgers. Ozona, meanwhile, will bring a loyal group of traveling supporters ready to see if the Lions can strike first and secure a statement road victory.
For fans across the Lone Star State, this matchup highlights the intensity and pride of Texas high school football, where every opening game carries the weight of expectations. Full coverage of this and every game can be found at Texas High School Football.
The Lions and Badgers share no recent head-to-head history, which makes this opener especially unpredictable. Both sides will look to shake off the offseason rust quickly and set the tone for the challenges ahead.
Team Overviews
Ozona Lions
- National Rank (Preseason): 7,745
- Texas Rank: 809
- Section Rank: 197
- State Division: 53
Ozona enters 2025 seeking to build consistency and toughness. Historically, the Lions have been known for gritty defensive play and a smashmouth rushing attack. This year, their success may depend on balancing the ground game with a reliable passing threat.
Strengths:
- Disciplined defensive unit with the ability to limit big plays
- Offensive line that thrives on physicality
- Experienced core of returners familiar with pressure situations
Challenges:
- Establishing a passing game to keep defenses honest
- Road test in a hostile environment against McCamey’s aggressive defense
If the Lions can dominate in the trenches and control time of possession, they’ll have a strong chance to walk away victorious.
McCamey Badgers
- National Rank (Preseason): 9,857
- Texas Rank: 973
- Section Rank: 230
- State Division: 47
The Badgers may be ranked lower than Ozona to start the season, but rankings often fail to capture the energy of a home opener. McCamey has built its identity around speed and explosiveness, thriving on quick drives and aggressive defensive schemes designed to force turnovers.
Strengths:
- Playmakers in open space capable of turning short gains into touchdowns
- Aggressive front seven with a knack for creating havoc
- Home-field advantage that can rattle opponents early
Challenges:
- Staying disciplined against a methodical Ozona offense
- Matching physicality in the trenches over four quarters
McCamey’s formula for success will be starting fast, scoring early, and forcing the Lions into an uncomfortable game script.
Rankings and Records
Both teams begin 2025 with 0-0 records, and neither side holds an edge in head-to-head history. With both squads competing in the in-state non-conference slate, this game represents the start of a long journey where every lesson matters.
- Ozona: National 7,745 | Texas 809 | Section 197
- McCamey: National 9,857 | Texas 973 | Section 230
On paper, Ozona has the advantage, but the Badgers’ home crowd and offensive speed make this matchup much closer than the rankings suggest.
Common Opponents
The Lions and Badgers will each face a slate of overlapping opponents this season, offering useful comparisons later in the year.
- Ozona vs Eldorado: Sept. 5 (home game)
- McCamey vs Eldorado: Nov. 7 (away game)
- Ozona vs Reagan County: Oct. 10 (home game)
- McCamey vs Reagan County: Sept. 19 (home game)
- Ozona vs Sonora: Oct. 17 (away game)
- McCamey vs Sonora: Sept. 26 (home game)
- Ozona vs Colorado: Oct. 24 (home game)
- McCamey vs Colorado: Sept. 5 (away game)
- Ozona vs Christoval: Nov. 7 (home game)
- McCamey vs Christoval: Sept. 12 (home game)
These matchups against shared opponents will provide a clear lens for how both programs stack up within their region as the season unfolds.
Key Matchup Analysis
The Ozona vs McCamey battle will likely be decided by which team imposes its style of play.
- Ozona’s Strategy: Ball control, long drives, physical defense. The Lions thrive when they keep the ball out of their opponent’s hands and win field position battles.
- McCamey’s Strategy: Quick strikes, aggressive blitzing, and momentum plays. The Badgers are at their best when they play fast and force their opponents into mistakes.
If Ozona can slow the pace and grind out possessions, they’ll limit McCamey’s chances for big plays. On the flip side, if the Badgers’ defense generates turnovers and their offense strikes early, the Lions may struggle to keep up.
Keys to Victory
For Ozona Lions
- Dominate the Line of Scrimmage: Establish the run game and protect the quarterback.
- Win Time of Possession: Keep McCamey’s offense on the sidelines.
- Limit Mistakes: Avoid costly turnovers that could swing momentum.
For McCamey Badgers
- Start Strong: Early points will ignite the crowd and apply pressure on Ozona.
- Force Turnovers: Take advantage of any miscues by the Lions’ offense.
- Maintain Discipline: Avoid penalties that extend drives for Ozona.
Players to Watch
Ozona Lions
- Quarterback: Responsible for keeping balance between the run and pass.
- Running Back: The workhorse who sets the tone on offense.
- Linebacker: Leader of the defense, crucial in slowing McCamey’s rushing attack.
McCamey Badgers
- Wide Receiver: Capable of breaking open a game with a single big play.
- Defensive End: Anchor of the front seven, key to disrupting Ozona’s rhythm.
- Quarterback: Needs to manage tempo and deliver accurate passes under pressure.
Prediction
This contest has all the makings of a classic season opener. Both teams are evenly matched, though their styles contrast dramatically. Ozona’s physicality will keep them in the fight, but McCamey’s explosiveness and home-field edge could be the deciding factors.
Projected Final Score: McCamey 27, Ozona 24
Expect a back-and-forth contest where momentum swings will play a huge role. A single turnover or special teams play could ultimately tip the balance.
Season Implications
Though this game doesn’t impact district standings, its importance cannot be understated:
- For Ozona: A win would validate their preseason ranking and give them confidence heading into October’s tougher matchups.
- For McCamey: Beating a higher-ranked opponent at home would immediately raise expectations and establish credibility statewide.
Both programs will walk away with valuable lessons, no matter the outcome.
Fan Atmosphere
Fans can expect a spirited environment at McCamey Field. Small-town Texas football carries an unmatched intensity, where community pride is on full display. For traveling Ozona supporters, this game represents the first opportunity to rally behind their team and measure themselves against a well-prepared opponent.
Final Thoughts
The Ozona vs McCamey season opener perfectly captures the excitement of Texas high school football—two programs, two communities, and one chance to make an early statement under the lights.
The Lions bring physicality and tradition. The Badgers counter with speed and firepower. When the final whistle blows, one of these teams will have taken a meaningful first step toward their 2025 goals.
For continued coverage of this and all Texas high school football matchups, visit Texas High School Football for live updates, analysis, and statewide news.
