CASTLEWOOD, VA – Under the Friday night lights at Castlewood High School, two teams hungry for their first victory of the young 2025 season will collide. The Phelps Hornets (KY) make the interstate trip to battle the Castlewood Blue Devils (VA) in a compelling non-conference matchup. Both squads enter this contest with identical 0-1 records, but the paths they took to get there tell vastly different stories, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle of contrasting styles.

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

A Tale of Two Opening Nights

The Hornets and Blue Devils both suffered Week 1 defeats, but the box scores reveal teams with opposite identities.

The Phelps Hornets come into this game following a wild, high-scoring shootout that ended in a 76-40 defeat. While the loss stings, the Hornets’ offense demonstrated a potent, explosive capability that few teams can match. Putting up 40 points is a significant achievement, and it signals an offensive unit that can strike quickly and put points on the board. Their scoring breakdown—14 points in the first quarter and 26 in the second—shows a team that can start fast and build momentum. However, the 76 points allowed will undoubtedly be a major point of emphasis for Head Coach Michael Justice and his defensive staff this week. shoring up tackling and coverage will be the primary focus if they hope to secure a road win.

Conversely, the Castlewood Blue Devils’ season opener was a brutal, old-school defensive grind. They fell 6-0 in a game where every yard was a battle. While the offense failed to find the end zone, the Blue Devils’ defense delivered a performance to build upon, holding their opponent to a single score. A six-point loss indicates a team that is disciplined, physically tough, and fundamentally sound on defense. For Head Coach David Scammell, the challenge is clear: find a way to generate offensive production. The defense has proven it can keep them in any game; now the offense must find a way to put a drive together and finish in the red zone.

Key Matchup: Phelps Offense vs. Castlewood Defense

This game will ultimately be decided by the clash between Phelps’ high-octane offense and Castlewood’s stingy, resilient defense.

The Hornets’ offensive unit, averaging 40 points per game (albeit from a single data point), will look to establish its rhythm early. They will test the Castlewood secondary with deep shots and try to use their team speed to create space. If their offensive line can provide time, they have the firepower to break the game open.

However, they face a Blue Devils defense that just held an opponent to a single touchdown. Castlewood’s linebackers and defensive line will be key. They must pressure the Phelps quarterback, disrupt the timing of their routes, and most importantly, tackle well in open space to prevent big plays. If Castlewood can force a couple of early three-and-outs, they can swing momentum firmly to their sideline and frustrate the Hornets’ attack.

The team that wins this fundamental conflict will likely control the game’s tempo and emerge victorious.

Common Opponent Analysis

An early-season common opponent provides a fascinating, though thin, thread of comparison. Both teams have a connection to the Twin Valley Panthers.

Castlewood has already faced Twin Valley, dropping that hard-fought 6-0 decision in Week 1. This gives the Blue Devils a direct benchmark for their performance.

Phelps, meanwhile, is scheduled to play Twin Valley later in the season on October 17. This means the Hornets will be playing a team that narrowly defeated their upcoming opponent. For Castlewood, a strong showing against Phelps could serve as a measuring stick for their own growth since the Twin Valley game.

This subtle connection adds an extra layer of intrigue to this non-conference battle, giving each team a glimpse of a future adversary.

What to Expect on the Field

Fans attending the game or tuning in via the NFHS Network should expect a game of stark contrasts.

Phelps will likely employ a spread-out, aggressive offensive scheme designed to create mismatches and exploit them for big gains. Look for them to take chances downfield and try to establish a quick lead. Their key to victory lies in scoring early and often, forcing Castlewood to abandon its conservative, ground-control game plan.

Castlewood will counter with a methodical, physical approach. They will aim to control the clock with a strong running game, shorten the game, and rely on their defense to keep the score low. Their best chance to win is to turn the game into a four-quarter street fight, wear down the Phelps defense, and capitalize on any turnovers or special teams opportunities.

The team that successfully imposes its style of play on the other will have the decisive advantage.

The Intangibles: Hunger and Momentum

Beyond the X’s and O’s, this game boils down to desire. An 0-1 record can be a motivator or an anchor. Both teams desperately need a win to right the ship and build positive momentum before diving deeper into their respective schedules.

For Phelps, a win would validate their offensive prowess and prove they can pair it with just enough defense to secure a victory. It would build immense confidence as they return to Kentucky.

For Castlewood, a win, especially one earned at home, would be a massive reward for a defense that played well enough to win in Week 1. It would provide a crucial spark for an offense searching for its identity.

The team that plays with more discipline, avoids costly penalties, and wins the turnover battle will put itself in the best position to leave Castlewood High School with that coveted first win of the season.

How to Follow the Action

Can’t make it to Virginia? You can still catch every snap live as the Phelps Hornets and Castlewood Blue Devils face off. The game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Follow along for all the hard-hitting action as these two teams leave everything on the field.

For the latest news, scores, and analysis on all things Kentucky high school football, from the mountains of Pike County to the fields of Castlewood, Virginia, make HS Football Insider your premier destination.