BOGALUSA, LA — Under the bright lights of Bogalusa High School, two Louisiana football programs hungry for a defining early-season victory will clash tonight. The Covington Lions, yet to take the field in the 2025 campaign, travel to face the Bogalusa Lumberjacks, a team looking to rebound after a tough opening-week loss. This non-conference matchup, kicking off at 7 PM, offers a fresh start for one team and a chance at redemption for the other.

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What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Covington vs Bogalusa
When: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Bogalusa High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

A Tale of Two Opening Chapters

The narrative of this game hinges on two very different starts to the season. For Head Coach Greg Salter and his Covington Lions, this game represents the first chapter of a new story. An 0-0 record is a blank slate, full of potential and unanswered questions. The Lions have spent the offseason preparing, and now they finally get to see how their work translates to Friday night—or in this case, Thursday night—lights.

Conversely, the Bogalusa Lumberjacks, led by Coach Cyril Crutchfield, have already tasted the bitterness of defeat. Their 0-1 record came after a 28-0 shutout loss on the road. While the scoreboard shows a zero in the win column, that first game provides something invaluable: game film and experience. The Lumberjacks know where they need to improve, and there is no greater motivator than opening your home schedule with a burning desire to erase the memory of a loss.

Breaking Down the Covington Lions

The Covington Lions enter the 2025 season with a sense of purpose. Ranked 76th in the state and 23rd in their class, the team has a solid foundation to build upon. However, with zero games played, statistical analysis is a waiting game. The intrigue surrounding Covington is palpable.

• Offensive Questions: Who will emerge as the primary playmaker? What offensive scheme will they deploy to test the Bogalusa defense? The Lions’ scoring averages are a string of zeros, but that will change tonight. The key for Covington will be establishing a rhythm early, whether through a power running game or a quick-passing attack to build confidence for their new starting quarterback.

• Defensive Mindset: The Lions’ defense, also boasting a pristine 0.00 points-against average, will aim to set the tone. Their mission is clear: replicate the success of Bogalusa’s previous opponent and stifle the Lumberjacks’ offensive efforts. Applying pressure in the backfield and creating early turnovers could demoralize a Bogalusa squad still searching for its first points of the season.

The Lions’ strength may lie in their unpredictability. Without any current game film for Bogalusa to study, Covington has a slight strategic advantage they must leverage.

Scouting the Bogalusa Lumberjacks

The Lumberjacks’ season opener was a challenge, resulting in a 28-0 defeat. The stats reveal a team that struggled to find any offensive traction, being shut out across all four quarters. Ranked 169th in Louisiana, Bogalusa is eager to prove that their first game was an aberration, not an indication of their true potential.

• Offensive Reboot: The primary focus for Bogalusa this week has undoubtedly been jump-starting the offense. Putting points on the board is priority number one. This will require more consistent execution from the offensive line, sharper route running from the receivers, and secure ball handling. Look for Coach Crutchfield to simplify the game plan and get the ball into the hands of his most dynamic athletes in space.

• Defensive Resilience: While the offense sputtered, the defense did surrender 28 points. However, they now have a full game of experience working together. Their task is to confuse a Covington offense that is still finding its identity. If the Lumberjack defense can force three-and-outs and create short fields for their own offense, it will completely shift the momentum of the game.

Playing at home for the first time this season is a significant advantage for Bogalusa. The familiar surroundings and supportive home crowd could provide the emotional spark needed to overcome their week-one woes.

Key Matchups and What to Watch For

1. Covington’s Offensive Line vs. Bogalusa’s Front Seven: Can Covington’s line, which has yet to be tested, create running lanes and protect its quarterback? Or will Bogalusa’s defensive front, now with a game under its belt, dominate the line of scrimmage and disrupt the Lions’ offensive flow?

2. The Turnover Battle: This fundamental statistic often decides games between evenly matched teams. Covington must protect the football in their first live action. Bogalusa, having felt the sting of a loss, will be hunting for strips and interceptions to give their offense extra opportunities.

3. First-Quarter Execution: The opening quarter is critical. For Covington, it’s about shaking off the rust. For Bogalusa, it’s about building confidence and proving they can compete. Which team will settle their nerves faster and execute their game plan? A fast start for either squad could be decisive.

4. Quarterback Composure: Both signal-callers will be under the microscope. Covington’s QB is making his season debut, while Bogalusa’s is looking to improve upon a difficult opener. The quarterback who manages the game better, avoids costly mistakes, and makes a couple of big plays will likely lead his team to victory.

How to Follow the Action

Fans unable to attend the game in person can still follow every snap. The Scoretracker system will provide live updates, and both schools are seeking live reporters to provide color commentary and insight directly from the stadium.

For fans across the state, this game is a perfect example of the compelling week-to-week drama of Louisiana high school football. To stay updated on this matchup and all the other action across the state, be sure to bookmark our Louisiana High School Football category page for the latest scores, news, and standings.

Final Predictions and Implications

This contest is a classic early-season puzzle. Does Covington’s freshness and unknown quality trump Bogalusa’s hard-earned experience from a loss? The home-field advantage for the Lumberjacks cannot be overstated, especially for a team seeking a confidence-boosting performance.

Expect a physical, hard-fought game where defenses initially have the upper hand. The team that can break a big special teams play or force a pivotal turnover will likely gain the advantage they need. While Covington’s clean slate is enticing, Bogalusa’s desperation to win in front of their home fans and avoid an 0-2 start gives them a tangible edge.

The Lumberjacks will have learned vital lessons from their week one defeat. They will play with more discipline, passion, and purpose. Look for them to control the line of scrimmage, establish some form of a running game, and do just enough on offense to secure a narrow, hard-fought victory.

Prediction: Bogalusa 17, Covington 14

Regardless of the outcome, both teams will leave the field with a much clearer picture of their identity. For Covington, it’s their first test. For Bogalusa, it’s a chance to change their entire season’s trajectory. One thing is certain: under the Thursday night lights in Bogalusa, Louisiana, we will witness the kind of gritty, passionate football that makes the high school game so special.