Paulding County vs Hiram | Georgia High School Football | August 15
Game Details
- Date and Time: Friday, August 15, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- Location: Paulding County High School, Dallas, GA
- Live Stream: Available on the NFHS Network
- Teams: Paulding County High School Patriots vs. Hiram High School Hornets
- Event: Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Week 1 Football Game
This local rivalry marks the opening game of the 2025-2026 GHSA football season, setting the stage for a thrilling evening of high school football in Dallas, Georgia. Both teams are eager to start the season strong, with Paulding County hosting the game on their home turf and Hiram looking to make a statement as the visitors.
Paulding County High School Patriots: A Team on the Rise
Paulding County High School, located in Dallas, Georgia, is a proud member of the GHSA, known for its vibrant athletic programs and passionate community support. The Patriots’ football team has been working to establish itself as a contender in their classification, building on a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. The 2025 season offers a fresh opportunity for Paulding County to showcase their progress after a challenging 2024 campaign, which included a 56-3 loss to North Paulding in a spring scrimmage on May 16, 2025, as reported by MaxPreps.
The Patriots, led by head coach Kevin Thomas, have focused on improving their physicality and execution during the offseason. Their training regimen emphasized strength conditioning, speed drills, and team chemistry to prepare for tough regional opponents like Hiram. The team’s roster features a blend of veterans and newcomers, with a strong emphasis on discipline and fundamentals.
Key players to watch include the Patriots’ quarterback, who has shown promise in leading the offense with accurate passes and smart decision-making. The running back corps is expected to carry a significant load, with a shifty tailback capable of exploiting gaps in the defense. On the defensive side, Paulding County relies on a hard-hitting linebacker group and a secondary that excels at covering receivers. The Patriots’ ability to control the tempo of the game and limit Hiram’s offensive opportunities will be crucial to their success.
Hiram High School Hornets: Grit and Determination
Hiram High School, also located in Paulding County, brings a fierce competitive spirit to this matchup. The Hornets, known for their resilience and aggressive play style, are a staple in the local football scene. As part of the GHSA, Hiram competes in a tough region that includes schools like East Paulding and McEachern, preparing them for high-stakes games like this one. In 2024, Hiram demonstrated their potential with a 48-41 victory over Paulding County, as noted in game results from Georgia High School Football Daily.
Under the guidance of their coaching staff, the Hornets have spent the offseason refining their strategies and building team cohesion. Their playbook emphasizes a balanced attack, with a focus on a powerful running game complemented by a versatile passing attack. Hiram’s preparation has included intense practices and scrimmages to ensure they’re ready for the physical and mental demands of the season opener.
Key players for the Hornets include a dynamic quarterback who can extend plays with his mobility and deliver accurate throws under pressure. The running game is anchored by a physical tailback who thrives in between-the-tackles situations, while the wide receivers bring speed and agility to stretch the field. Defensively, Hiram boasts a relentless defensive line and a secondary that excels at creating turnovers. Their ability to disrupt Paulding County’s rhythm and capitalize on mistakes will be a key factor in the game.
The Venue: Paulding County High School, Dallas, GA
The game will be held at Paulding County High School’s stadium in Dallas, Georgia, a community known for its strong support of high school athletics. The stadium, equipped with modern amenities, provides an ideal setting for this local rivalry. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with students, parents, and alumni from both schools filling the stands to cheer on their teams. Dallas’s central location in Paulding County makes it a hub for local sports, and this game is sure to draw a passionate crowd.
For fans unable to attend in person, the NFHS Network offers a convenient way to watch the game live. Accessible at www.nfhsnetwork.com, the platform allows viewers to stream the game on devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. A subscription is required for full access, but the NFHS Network provides high-quality broadcasts with real-time updates. Fans can also download the NFHS Network app on iOS or Android for easy access on the go.
What to Expect from the Game
The Paulding County vs. Hiram matchup is poised to be a closely contested battle, with both teams bringing unique strengths to the field. Paulding County’s home-field advantage will play a significant role, as the Patriots feed off the energy of their fans. Their balanced offensive approach, combining a strong ground game with strategic passing, will test Hiram’s defensive versatility. The Patriots’ defense, known for its physicality, will aim to contain Hiram’s mobile quarterback and limit explosive plays.
Hiram, coming off a victory against Paulding County in 2024, will look to repeat their success on the road. Their ability to mix up their offensive plays, utilizing both the run and pass, will challenge Paulding County’s defensive schemes. The Hornets’ aggressive defense, particularly their ability to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers, could swing the momentum in their favor.
Special teams could prove to be a deciding factor in this game. Both teams have worked on their kicking and return units, and a well-executed field goal, punt, or return could shift the game’s outcome. Field position will be critical, especially in a rivalry game where every yard matters.
The Rivalry: A Local Tradition
The Paulding County vs. Hiram game is more than just a season opener—it’s a local rivalry steeped in tradition. Both schools, located in close proximity within Paulding County, share a competitive history that adds intensity to this matchup. Past encounters, such as Hiram’s 48-41 win in 2024, have been high-scoring and tightly contested, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in this rivalry.
The game also carries significant implications for both teams’ seasons. A win in Week 1 can provide momentum and confidence as they face tougher opponents later in the schedule. For players, a strong performance could attract attention from college scouts, as Georgia is a hotbed for football talent, with schools like North Paulding and East Paulding producing notable athletes.
Georgia High School Football: A State of Passion
Georgia high school football is renowned for its competitive spirit and passionate fan base. The GHSA, founded in 1908, oversees 407 public and 56 private high schools, promoting athletics as a means of fostering education, sportsmanship, and personal growth. The state has produced numerous NFL stars, and games like Paulding County vs. Hiram are part of the fabric of Georgia’s football culture.
The 2025-2026 season is expected to be particularly competitive, with teams across the state vying for playoff spots and state championships. This matchup serves as an early test for both Paulding County and Hiram, offering a glimpse of their potential in their respective classifications.
How to Watch on the NFHS Network
To watch the Paulding County vs. Hiram game live, fans should visit www.nfhsnetwork.com and search for Paulding County High School. Subscribing to the NFHS Network and following the Patriots’ page ensures access to the live stream and notifications for upcoming games. The platform supports streaming on multiple devices, making it easy to watch from anywhere. Fans should ensure a stable internet connection and subscribe early to avoid technical issues during the game.
The NFHS Network also provides access to other Georgia high school sports, including basketball, softball, and volleyball, making it a valuable resource for fans throughout the year. While occasional buffering issues have been reported, the platform generally offers a reliable viewing experience.
The Paulding County vs. Hiram football game on August 15, 2025, promises to be a thrilling start to the 2025-2026 GHSA season. With Paulding County’s home-field advantage and balanced approach facing off against Hiram’s grit and dynamic playmakers, fans can expect a hard-fought battle filled with exciting moments. Whether you’re in the stands at Paulding County High School or streaming the game on the NFHS Network, this local rivalry is a must-watch for Georgia high school football enthusiasts. As the Patriots and Hornets take the field, they’ll carry the pride of their communities, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of football.
