Early County vs Westover | Georgia High School Football | August 15
The 2025 Georgia high school football season continues to build momentum as two determined programs, Early County and Westover, prepare for an exciting clash under the Friday night lights. Set to take place on Friday, August 15, this matchup pits a traditional powerhouse against an ascending 5A program in what promises to be a hard-fought and physical game between two South Georgia rivals.
While both teams compete in different classifications and regions, the pride and passion that come with local bragging rights ensure this matchup will be anything but ordinary. This game serves as a crucial tone-setter for the rest of the season, giving both coaching staffs a real-time look at their squad’s grit, talent, and composure.
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes this game worth watching—from team previews and player breakdowns to key matchups, game strategy, and predictions.
Game Day Information
- Matchup: Early County Bobcats vs. Westover Patriots
- Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: Albany, GA (Westover High School)
- Tickets: Available via GoFan or at the gate
Watch Live Streamon NFHS Network!
About the Teams
Early County Bobcats (Blakely, GA)
Early County is a storied football program in South Georgia, known for producing disciplined, physical, and fundamentally sound football teams. With a tradition of making playoff runs in Class A-Division I, the Bobcats are often a tough out for any opponent, regardless of classification.
Westover Patriots (Albany, GA)
Westover High School, a 5A school from Albany, GA, is quietly becoming a program to watch in Southwest Georgia. The Patriots have made significant progress in recent seasons, especially under the leadership of Head Coach Adam Miller. With a focus on speed, skill development, and an aggressive style of play, Westover has started to compete toe-to-toe with some of the bigger names in Georgia football.
The Patriots are looking to build on the momentum of last season, where they had key wins that showcased their offensive capabilities and rising talent pool. With depth across both lines and standout athletes on the perimeter, Westover has its eyes set on becoming a playoff staple in the larger classification.
Team Comparison & Style of Play
| Team | Classification | 2024 Record | Offensive Style | Defensive Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early County | A-Division I | 7-4 | Run-heavy / Play-action | 4-3 Base, disciplined |
| Westover | 5A | 6-5 | Spread / RPO Attack | Blitz-heavy / 3-4 Hybrid |
Early County tends to win games by controlling the clock, dominating time of possession, and wearing down opponents with a bruising ground game. They are not flashy, but they are efficient. On defense, they rely on gap integrity and fundamental tackling.
Westover, on the other hand, brings a more modern approach. With their up-tempo spread offense, they try to isolate defenders and create big plays in space. Their defense thrives on disruption, with frequent blitz packages and athletic linebackers creating havoc in the backfield.
Key Players to Watch
Early County Bobcats
- RB #5 Jamal Davis – A senior running back who rushed for over 1,100 yards last season. He’s the engine of the offense, known for his vision and breakaway speed.
- QB #10 Kentrell Williams – A junior signal-caller with a strong arm and leadership ability. His development is crucial for Early County’s passing attack.
- LB #44 Malik Carter – The heart of the defense, Carter had 90+ tackles last season and will be key in stopping Westover’s spread attack.
- OL #71 Marcus Boone – A 6’3″, 295-pound mauler who anchors the offensive line and opens running lanes for Davis.
Westover Patriots
- QB #2 Devin Brooks – A dual-threat quarterback with the ability to change the game with both his legs and his arm. Threw for 1,800+ yards in 2024.
- WR #1 Jalen Thomas – An explosive receiver and return specialist who can score from anywhere on the field.
- DE #92 Tyrone Callahan – A disruptive force off the edge, Callahan had 10 sacks last year and is drawing attention from college scouts.
- DB #23 Isaiah Green – The ballhawk of the secondary with five interceptions last season. Will likely shadow Early County’s top receiver.
Three Key Matchups
- Early County O-Line vs. Westover Front Seven
This will be the defining matchup of the game. If Early County can assert themselves in the trenches, they’ll control the pace. But if Westover’s athletic front seven can penetrate and create negative plays, it could force the Bobcats into an uncomfortable pass-heavy game. - Devin Brooks vs. Early County Secondary
Brooks’ ability to extend plays and keep the chains moving will test Early County’s defensive backfield. The Bobcats will need to contain his scrambling and stay disciplined in coverage. - Special Teams Battle
A big return or blocked kick could flip field position and momentum. Both teams have athletes capable of making game-changing plays on special teams.
What’s at Stake?
This game is more than just a season-opener. For Early County, it’s an opportunity to prove they can hang with a higher-classification school and make a strong case for state ranking consideration. A win here builds confidence for their region schedule and sets the tone for the fall.
For Westover, it’s about asserting dominance in South Georgia and continuing their rise. Beating a program with Early County’s legacy would go a long way toward validating their direction under Coach Miller and could boost playoff expectations.
Coaching Battle
This game will also feature a chess match between two excellent coaches with different philosophies.
- Donnie Foster (Early County) is a program builder, known for instilling toughness and structure.
- Adam Miller (Westover) is a strategist with a reputation for creativity and making bold in-game adjustments.
Who makes the right second-half decisions? Who stays composed under pressure? These questions will likely determine the winner.
Prediction
This will be a close, back-and-forth contest that comes down to execution and mistakes. Early County will try to control the game physically, while Westover will look to strike fast and often.
Expect momentum shifts, big defensive stands, and maybe even a special teams touchdown. In the end, Westover’s athleticism and home-field edge may prove to be just enough.
Final Score Prediction:
Westover 28, Early County 20
Fans are encouraged to arrive early, wear their team colors, and bring the noise. From the players to the marching bands and cheerleaders, Friday night in Georgia means football—and this matchup promises to deliver everything you love about it.
