Alonso vs Blake | Florida High School Football | August 15
USA – Football – High School Football
The 2025 Florida high school football season gets underway in Tampa with an exciting non-conference Kickoff Classic matchup between the Alonso Ravens and the Blake Yellow Jackets. Both teams, coming in with clean 0-0 records, will be looking to make a statement and set the tone for their seasons when they face off on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Blake High School.
This game has all the ingredients for a competitive battle—two programs from the same city, each with its own distinct playing style, loyal fan base, and a hunger to start strong.
Game Overview
- Date & Time: Friday, August 15, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Howard W. Blake High School, Tampa, FL
- Matchup: Alonso Ravens vs. Blake Yellow Jackets
- Game Type: Non-conference, Kickoff Classic
- Broadcast: NFHS Network live stream
The fact that both schools are located in Tampa gives this opener an extra layer of rivalry energy. With no previous wins or losses to speak of yet, both the Ravens and Yellow Jackets enter the season as equals on paper—but once the ball is kicked off, it will be about who executes better under the Friday night lights.
Team Profiles
Alonso Ravens
The Ravens have a history of fielding teams that combine solid defensive fundamentals with creative offensive play calling. Their approach often focuses on establishing a physical ground game to open up opportunities for passing downfield. With a disciplined coaching staff and a program that emphasizes conditioning, Alonso is known for playing hard for all four quarters.
Blake Yellow Jackets
Blake High School’s Yellow Jackets bring speed, quick-strike capability, and a home crowd that can make their stadium an intimidating place to play. The Yellow Jackets often thrive on creating explosive plays on offense while applying constant defensive pressure to force turnovers. Their athletes are versatile, and the team is not afraid to take risks when the moment calls for it.
Offensive and Defensive Matchups
For Alonso, the offensive strategy will likely revolve around controlling the clock. They’ll aim to keep Blake’s offense off the field by sustaining long drives built on a balanced run-pass attack. A key factor will be the offensive line’s ability to create space against Blake’s aggressive front seven.
Defensively, the Ravens will focus on limiting big plays. Blake’s offense can score quickly, so Alonso’s secondary will need to play tight coverage while the linebackers stay disciplined against misdirection and screens.
For Blake, the offensive mission will be to put Alonso under pressure early. Expect them to utilize speed at wide receiver and running back to force Alonso’s defense into high-stress situations. They may also push the tempo to wear down the Ravens’ defense.
Defensively, the Yellow Jackets will likely stack the box to stop the run and force Alonso to throw in obvious passing situations. An active pass rush could be key in creating mistakes and short fields for their offense.
Key Players to Watch
Alonso Ravens
- Quarterback: Must manage the game efficiently, hitting short passes to move the chains while taking calculated deep shots.
- Running Back: Needs to grind out tough yards and break the occasional big run to keep the defense honest.
- Linebacker: Defensive leader tasked with reading Blake’s offense and making timely tackles.
Blake Yellow Jackets
- Wide Receiver: A speedster who can stretch the field and turn a quick slant into a touchdown.
- Quarterback: Dual-threat ability could challenge Alonso’s defense with both his arm and legs.
- Defensive Back: A ball hawk who could change the game with an interception or two.
Strategies for Success
Alonso Must:
- Control possession with sustained drives.
- Minimize turnovers and avoid giving Blake short fields.
- Keep defensive assignments disciplined to prevent long touchdowns.
Blake Must:
- Strike quickly and keep the tempo high.
- Use defensive pressure to force mistakes from Alonso’s quarterback.
- Capitalize on home-field advantage with early momentum.
The Kickoff Classic Factor
Unlike a typical Week 1 game, the Kickoff Classic atmosphere adds extra hype. For many players, this is the first chance to show off a summer’s worth of hard work in front of fans, families, and scouts. Coaches also get to see how their squads handle game-day intensity before heading into the grind of the regular season.
The winner of this game will walk away with confidence and momentum, while the losing side will leave with valuable lessons and the motivation to adjust for the weeks ahead.
How to Watch
Fans in Tampa can attend in person at Blake High School and experience the energy firsthand. For those who can’t make it to the stadium, the NFHS Network will provide a live stream of the game, offering high-definition coverage and replays for every big moment
The Alonso Ravens vs. Blake Yellow Jackets matchup is more than just a city rivalry—it’s the start of a new season filled with possibilities. Alonso’s disciplined approach will clash with Blake’s high-speed style, making for a compelling contrast in strategies.
When the two teams take the field on August 15 at 7:00 p.m., expect a competitive game where every snap counts. Whether you’re in the stands or watching from home, this is one Tampa high school football opener you won’t want to miss.
