SHAWNEE, KS – Under the bright lights of the College Boulevard Activity Center (CBAC), two Kansas high school football titans are set to write the first chapter of their 2025 campaigns. The Mill Valley Jaguars, a perennial state powerhouse, travel to face the Olathe East Hawks in a highly anticipated Week 1 conference showdown. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Mill Valley vs Olathe East
When: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: @CBAC
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Both teams enter the fray with pristine 0-0 records, but the similarities largely end there. This matchup presents a classic contrast in program stature and preseason expectations, setting the stage for a compelling battle that will immediately impact the conference landscape. For fans across the Sunflower State, this is a must-see event, a true litmus test for both squads.
Team Profiles: A Tale of Two Programs
Mill Valley Jaguars: The Established Powerhouse
The Jaguars from Shawnee are not just a local name; they are a national brand in the world of high school football. Boasting a preseason national ranking of #475 and holding the impressive distinction of being ranked #3 in the entire state of Kansas and #2 in their class, Mill Valley carries a target on its back every time it takes the field.
Head Coach Joel Applebee has built a machine in Shawnee, known for a disciplined, high-octane offense and a relentless, physical defense. While the Jaguars say goodbye to key contributors from last season, the program’s culture of “next man up” ensures they rarely experience a significant drop-off. The expectation for Mill Valley is not just to compete, but to contend for a state title. This opening game against a formidable league opponent like Olathe East is the perfect opportunity to set that championship tone early.
Their offense will look to establish dominance at the line of scrimmage, while the defense aims to smother opposing playmakers from the opening whistle. For Mill Valley, every game is a statement, and this one is no different.
Olathe East Hawks: The Hungry Home Underdogs
The Olathe East Hawks, under the guidance of their coaching staff, embrace the role of the home underdog with a point to prove. Ranked #3,170 nationally and #39 in Kansas (#15 in their class), the Hawks see this opener as a golden opportunity to shock the state and announce their arrival as a serious contender.
Playing at the CBAC provides a distinct home-field advantage for Olathe East. The energy from the home crowd can serve as a potent equalizer, fueling a team that thrives on passion and physicality. The Hawks’ game plan will undoubtedly focus on controlling the clock, minimizing mistakes, and using a stout defensive effort to disrupt the rhythm of Mill Valley’s high-powered attack.
An upset victory here would do more than just start the season 1-0; it would instantly validate the offseason work, inject immense confidence into the roster, and send shockwaves through the Kansas high school football scene. The Hawks have everything to gain and are poised to play with a nothing-to-lose mentality.
Key Matchups and Storylines to Watch
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Mill Valley’s Offensive Line vs. Olathe East’s Front Seven: The battle in the trenches will ultimately dictate the flow of this game. Can Mill Valley’s experienced linemen create running lanes and protect their quarterback, or will Olathe East’s defensive front generate pressure and stuff the run to force the Jaguars into obvious passing situations?
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First-Game Jitters vs. Execution: With both teams sporting 0-0 records, which squad will shake off the early-season rust faster? Turnovers and penalties are often magnified in openers. The team that executes its fundamentals more cleanly—tackling, blocking, and securing the football—will seize a massive advantage.
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The X-Factor of Special Teams: In what many predict to be a hard-fought, potentially low-scoring affair, field position will be paramount. A clutch punt, a long kick return, or a made field goal could be the difference between a win and a loss. Keep an eye on the special teams units; they might just decide the outcome.
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Adjustments at Halftime: How will both coaching staffs adapt after the first 24 minutes of play? The ability to identify weaknesses and successfully implement mid-game adjustments is a hallmark of great teams. The second-half opening drive will be particularly telling.
How to Watch Mill Valley vs. Olathe East
For those unable to secure a ticket to what promises to be an electric atmosphere at the CBAC, the game will be broadcast live nationwide on the NFHS Network. Fans can stream all the action directly from their computers, smartphones, or connected TVs.
Score updates and live commentary will be available throughout the evening, ensuring you don’t miss a single snap of this crucial Kansas high school football clash.
The Bigger Picture: Kansas High School Football Is Back
This matchup is more than just one game; it’s a celebration of the return of Friday night lights—even on a Thursday. It represents the culmination of countless hours of summer workouts, early morning practices, and intense preparation. For the seniors on both sides, it’s the beginning of the final chapter of their high school careers.
The outcome of this game will provide invaluable power-ranking points and set an early tone within the conference standings. A win for Mill Valley reinforces its status as the team to beat. A victory for Olathe East completely reshuffles the deck and throws the conference race wide open.
For comprehensive coverage of this game and all things related to the sport across the Sunflower State, be sure to visit Kansas High School Football Events for the latest news, scores, and analysis.
Prediction: A Hard-Fought Battle
On paper, the Mill Valley Jaguars enter as the clear favorite. Their recent history of success and higher preseason ranking are for a reason. However, opening games on the road in a hostile conference environment are never easy.
Expect Olathe East to come out with fiery intensity, keeping the game close into the second half. Ultimately, Mill Valley’s depth and proven ability to win tight games may be the deciding factor. Look for the Jaguars to make a few more critical plays in the fourth quarter to secure a hard-earned victory.
Final Score Prediction: Mill Valley 24, Olathe East 17
No matter the result, one thing is certain: football is back in Kansas, and this clash between the Mill Valley Jaguars and Olathe East Hawks is the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable season.
