LAPLACE, LA – Under the bright lights of Thomas Dupuy Stadium, two of Louisiana’s most respected high school football programs will write the first major chapter of their 2025 campaigns. The Newman Greenies (New Orleans) travel to LaPlace for a heavyweight non-conference duel against the St. Charles Catholic Comets this Thursday, September 4th, with kickoff slated for 7 PM.

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

This early-season matchup presents a fascinating contrast in styles and school classifications. Newman, a Class 5A contender, brings a high-octane offensive tradition from the city. They face the Comets, a perennial Class 3A power known for a disciplined, hard-nosed approach that consistently punches above its weight. Both teams enter the fray with pristine 0-0 records, making this game a perfect barometer for the season ahead.

“This is exactly the kind of test you want week one,” said a local analyst. “Newman’s athleticism versus SCC’s fundamental toughness. It doesn’t get much better for a fan in September.”

For everything Louisiana high school football, follow our exclusive coverage at HS Football Insider Louisiana.

Breaking Down the Matchup

The venue itself, Thomas Dupuy Stadium, provides a distinct home-field advantage for the Comets. Known for its passionate and packed crowds, the stadium in LaPlace becomes a fortress, making communication difficult for visiting teams and energizing the home squad. Newman must combat this early environment to silence the crowd and establish their rhythm.

The game also features an intriguing rankings storyline. While both teams are highly regarded within the state, St. Charles Catholic holds a slight edge in the early preseason prognostications. The Comets enter the game ranked 30th overall in Louisiana, compared to Newman’s ranking of 49th. More notably, St. Charles Catholic is a dominant force in Class 3A, while Newman looks to climb the ladder in the highly competitive Class 5A landscape.

These rankings, however, mean little once the ball is kicked off. The disparity in classification adds a layer of intrigue, as the smaller-school Comets have built a reputation for dismantling larger opponents with their physical brand of football.

Newman Greenies: A Look at the Squad

The Newman Greenies, under the leadership of their coaching staff, are looking to build a winning season after finishing the previous year with a 5-6 record. The program boasts a rich history and a commitment to an explosive offensive system that can put points on the board in a hurry.

Their success this season will hinge on executing that system against a defense as stingy as St. Charles Catholic’s. The Greenies’ offense returns several key playmakers who can change the game in a single snap, whether through the air or on the ground. The primary challenge for Newman will be handling the relentless pressure and tactical discipline the Comets’ defense is known for.

Defensively, the Greenies must find a way to neutralize a Comets’ offensive line that excels at controlling the line of scrimmage. If Newman can force the Comets into obvious passing situations and create turnovers, they can leverage their team speed to create scoring opportunities. Starting the season with a statement win on the road against a top-tier program like SCC would provide immense momentum.

St. Charles Catholic Comets: A Tradition of Toughness

The St. Charles Catholic Comets are the epitome of consistency and toughness in Louisiana high school football. Finishing the previous season with an impressive 11-2 record, the Comets have built a culture that expects deep playoff runs and competes for state titles year in and year out.

Their formula for success is no secret. They employ a powerful, run-oriented offense that grinds down opponents and a defense that flies to the ball with bad intentions. They excel at winning the battle in the trenches, making them a formidable challenge for any team, regardless of classification.

For the Comets, this game is about setting a standard. A victory over a larger-classification opponent like Newman reinforces their status as a giant slayer and builds confidence for the grueling district schedule that lies ahead. Their veteran-laden team understands the importance of starting fast and protecting their home field.

The key for St. Charles Catholic will be to impose their will from the opening drive. If their offensive line can establish the run game and their defense can disrupt Newman’s offensive timing, they can control the clock and the tempo of the game, ultimately wearing down the Greenies.

Key Factors to Watch

1. The Trenches: This game will be won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Can Newman’s offensive line hold up against the Comets’ aggressive defensive front? Conversely, can the Greenies’ defensive line penetrate and disrupt the Comets’ methodical running game?

2. Quarterback Play: How will the quarterbacks handle the first-game pressure? The signal-caller who makes smart decisions, avoids turnovers, and converts on third down will likely lead his team to victory.

3. Special Teams: In what projects to be a tightly contested battle, field position and kicking game could be the difference. A key return, a missed field goal, or a shanked punt could swing momentum dramatically.

4. Adjustments: With no prior game film from this season, halftime adjustments will be crucial. The coaching staff that best identifies and exploits weaknesses in the second half will give their team a significant advantage.

How to Follow the Action

For live updates, scoring drives, and key play-by-play analysis from this premier week one matchup, be sure to follow our dedicated team at HS Football Insider Louisiana. Our live reporters will be on site to bring you all the excitement from Thomas Dupuy Stadium.

Final Thoughts

The Newman Greenies versus St. Charles Catholic Comets game is more than just a non-conference opener. It is a battle of identity. It’s Newman’s flash and speed against SCC’s power and grit. It’s Class 5A versus Class 3A. It’s New Orleans against LaPlace.

Both teams have everything to play for. For Newman, a win announces their arrival as a serious threat in Class 5A. For St. Charles Catholic, a victory reaffirms their status as one of the state’s most formidable programs, regardless of size.

One thing is certain: fans attending Thomas Dupuy Stadium on Thursday night are in for a treat. Expect a hard-fought, four-quarter war that will come down to the final possessions. When the clock hits zero, one team will have a landmark victory to build upon, while the other will have a valuable learning experience early in the season.

Do not miss this incredible start to the Louisiana high school football season. For the latest scores, news, and in-depth analysis from across the state, make HS Football Insider Louisiana your go-to destination all season long.