Mississippi high school football fans are thrilled to welcome the 2025 season. After months of offseason training, hundreds of teams from the Magnolia State will put their best foot forward, hoping to start their schedule with a victory. However, while several teams will be competing on opening weekend, these five games stand out because they […]
Mississippi high school football fans are thrilled to welcome the 2025 season. After months of offseason training, hundreds of teams from the Magnolia State will put their best foot forward, hoping to start their schedule with a victory. However, while several teams will be competing on opening weekend, these five games stand out because they will feature some of Mississippi’s best teams.
No. 12 Hattiesburg at No. 14 Petal
When: Saturday, August 30, 7 p.m. CT
Where: Panther Stadium, Petal, Miss.
The Tigers finished the 2024 Mississippi high school football season at 13-1, with their lone defeat coming against Grenada in the Class 6A state championship game. Meanwhile, the Panthers finished with an 8-5 mark and lost to Brandon in the Class 7A state quarterfinals. They will clash for their respective season openers, with Hattiesburgwinning over Petal7-3. While this pairing still has the workings of being a close game, the Panthers are predicted to put their home-field advantage to good use.
Massey Prediction: Petal 28, Hattiesburg 24
No. 8 Warren Central at No. 19 Clinton
When: Friday, August 29, 7 p.m. CT
Where: Arrow Stadium, Clinton, Miss.
The Vikings had a 9-4 record last season but lost to Grenada in the Mississippi high school football Class 6A state semifinals. Meanwhile, the Arrows lost six of their ten games. While Clintongets a boost from playing at home, Warren Central’s firepower might be enough to give the visitors a season-opening victory.
Massey Prediction: Warren Central 28, Clinton 20
No. 13 West Point at No. 9 Louisville
When: Friday, August 29, 7 p.m. CT
Where: R.E. Hinze Stadium, Louisville, Miss.
While the Green Wave lost three of their first 13 games, they made it to the Mississippi high school football Class 5A state championship game. However, they lost the crown when Gautier shut them out of the scoreboard. Coincidentally, the Wildcats suffered the same fate, losing to Poplarville in the Class 4A state championship game by one point. Both teams should remain top contenders in 2025, and this pairing has the makings of a high school football classic. While West Point defeated Louisvillelast season, the Wildcats are predicted to get their revenge.
Massey Prediction: Louisville 26, West Point 21
No. 4 Oak Grove at No. 5 Starkville
When: Friday, August 29, 7 p.m. CT
Where: Yellow Jacket Stadium, Starkville, Miss.
Oak Grove finished the 2024 Mississippi high school football season with an 8-4 record. They will face Starkville, a team with a 7-5 record last year. While Massey predicts it to be a tight battle, the home team should have an edge in this season-opening battle.
Massey Prediction: Starkville 34, Oak Grove 28
No. 2 Tupelo @ No. 1 Brandon
When: Friday, August 29, 7 p.m. CT
Where: Bulldog Stadium, Brandon, Miss.
This monumental clash is undeniably Mississippi high school football’s marquee game on opening weekend. Tupelofinished with an undefeated 14-0 record to capture the 2024 Class 7A state championship. Coincidentally, the Golden Wave defeated Brandonin that game. Right off the gates, the state’s top two teams will face off, leading to a game that could go down to the wire.
Massey Prediction: Brandon 28, Tupelo 21
Category: General Sports
