Huntington vs Blazer | West Virginia High School Football | August 15
The 2025 high school football season kicks off with an electrifying cross-state showdown as the Huntington Highlanders from West Virginia travel to Kentucky to face the Ashland Blazer Tomcats. Scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, at 6 PM at Ashland Blazer High School, this non-conference battle brings together two proud programs separated by just a short drive but boasting very different football traditions.
Fans who can’t make the trip will be able to catch all the action live on the NFHS Network, while local supporters are expected to fill the stands in what should be one of the most spirited atmospheres of the young season.
Game Details
- Matchup: Huntington Highlanders (WV) @ Ashland Blazer Tomcats (KY)
- Date & Time: Friday, August 15, 2025 • 6 PM
- Location: Ashland Blazer High School, Ashland, Kentucky
- Broadcast: FuboTv (Live Stream)
- Type: Non-Conference Game
- Tickets: Available online and at the stadium
Team Profiles
Huntington Highlanders (Huntington, WV)
- National Rank: 937
- West Virginia State Rank: 4
- Class Rank: 2
- Record (2025): 0-0
Huntington comes into 2025 with sky-high expectations. Sitting as one of the top-ranked programs in West Virginia, the Highlanders are built on speed, discipline, and depth across the roster. Their recent seasons have included deep playoff runs, and the program has become a consistent contender for state championships.
This year, the Highlanders bring back an experienced core, including a senior quarterback known for his composure and accuracy, as well as a defense that thrives on forcing turnovers.
Strengths:
- Explosive offensive playmakers, particularly at wide receiver and running back.
- Fast, aggressive defense that can shut down big plays.
- Strong special teams capable of flipping field position.
Areas of Focus:
- Avoiding costly penalties that extend opponents’ drives.
- Maintaining composure against physical, run-heavy teams like Blazer.
Ashland Blazer Tomcats (Ashland, KY)
- National Rank: 2,015
- Kentucky State Rank: 27
- Regional Rank: 7
- Record (2025): 0-0
The Blazer Tomcats are one of Kentucky’s most respected programs, known for their passionate fan base and smash-mouth style of football. Ashland’s home games are notoriously difficult for visiting teams, and the Tomcats will rely on that advantage in this opening contest.
Blazer’s offensive identity revolves around a powerful running game complemented by timely passing. On defense, they focus on controlling the line of scrimmage and forcing opponents into uncomfortable third-down situations.
Strengths:
- Physical offensive line and a deep backfield rotation.
- Home-field advantage with strong community support.
- Disciplined tackling and gap control on defense.
Areas of Focus:
- Containing Huntington’s explosive passing attack.
- Winning the turnover battle against an opportunistic defense.
The Matchup: Speed vs. Power
On paper, this game shapes up as a clash of football philosophies. Huntington thrives on tempo, athleticism, and explosive plays, while Blazer prefers to control the pace with sustained drives and physicality in the trenches.
If Huntington can score quickly and often, they could force Blazer out of their comfort zone and into a pass-heavy game. On the other hand, if the Tomcats can dominate time of possession, they may keep the Highlanders’ offensive weapons on the sideline long enough to grind out a win.
Key Matchups to Watch
Huntington WRs vs. Blazer Secondary
The Highlanders have speed to burn on the outside, and their ability to win one-on-one matchups could be a deciding factor.
Blazer Offensive Line vs. Huntington Front Seven
If Blazer’s linemen can open holes against Huntington’s aggressive defensive front, it could spell trouble for the visitors.
Quarterback Duel
Both teams feature field generals with different skill sets—Huntington’s QB is a dual-threat, while Blazer’s is a steady game manager who thrives on efficiency.
Keys to Victory
Huntington Highlanders:
- Jump out to an early lead to force Blazer into a passing game.
- Utilize no-huddle offense to tire out Blazer’s defensive front.
- Limit turnovers and avoid giving the Tomcats short fields.
Ashland Blazer Tomcats:
- Control the clock with a dominant rushing attack.
- Win the battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
- Take advantage of home-field momentum with an early statement drive.
Atmosphere and Fan Impact
Games between West Virginia and Kentucky border towns have a special energy. Huntington fans are expected to make the short trip across the state line, but Ashland’s home crowd will be loud, proud, and determined to give their team an edge.
This early-season non-conference matchup is also a perfect measuring stick for both programs—Huntington will see how they stack up against a physically dominant team, and Blazer will test themselves against one of the fastest squads in the region.
Prediction
While Huntington has the higher ranking and an edge in overall athleticism, Ashland’s physical style and home-field advantage make this game a near toss-up. If Huntington can protect their quarterback and avoid turnovers, they could pull away late. But if Blazer’s run game starts rolling, the Tomcats could control the tempo and grind out a win.
Projected Score: Huntington 28 – Blazer 21
The Huntington vs. Blazer clash is everything you want in an early-season high school football matchup—regional bragging rights, contrasting styles, and a stage set for breakout performances. Whether you’re watching in person at Ashland Blazer High School or tuning in on the NFHS Network, expect a hard-fought contest that could come down to the final possession.
Both programs will leave this game with valuable lessons, but only one will walk away 1-0. And in a season where every win counts, that could make all the difference.
