CROWLEY, LA — Under the bright lights of Crowley High School, two teams hungry to etch their first mark in the win column will clash tonight. The Port Barre Red Devils travel to face the Crowley Gent in a week one non-conference battle that sets the tone for the 2025 campaign. Both squads enter with identical 0-0 records, a blank canvas awaiting the brushstrokes of a new season. Kickoff is set for 7 PM.

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

This early-season matchup is more than just a game; it’s a litmus test. For the players, it’s the first real hit. For the coaches, it’s the first look at executed game plans under pressure. And for the communities of Port Barre and Crowley, it’s the return of Friday night lights, a cherished tradition that unites towns across the Pelican State. For all the latest on this game and every other Louisiana High School Football event, follow the action at HS Football Insider.

Breaking Down the Matchup

The data presents a fascinating scenario: two teams with perfectly symmetrical records. Both Port Barre and Crowley hold a 0-0 overall record, 0-0 at home, and 0-0 on the road. They have yet to score a point (PF: 0) and have yet to allow one (PA: 0). This statistical parity makes pre-game prediction a challenge, placing the focus squarely on coaching strategy, returning personnel, and which team can shake off the offseason rust fastest.

While the win-loss columns are identical, a deeper look at the state rankings provides a slight edge on paper. The Crowley Gent enter the game ranked 219th in Louisiana and 28th in their class, according to available data. Meanwhile, the Port Barre Red Devils sit at 274th statewide and 36th in their class classification. These rankings, however, are based on previous seasons and projections. They mean nothing once the ball is kicked off. Football games are won on the field, not on a preseason stat sheet.

Keys to the Game: Port Barre Red Devils

For the Red Devils to march out of Crowley with a victory, they must establish their identity early. A long road trip requires mental fortitude from the opening whistle. The Port Barre offense must find a rhythm against a Crowley defense that is equally unknown. Look for the Red Devils to test the edges with their ground game, controlling the clock and keeping the Crowley playmakers on the sideline.

Defensively, the mission is simple: disrupt. Facing a team like Crowley that may have a slight athletic advantage, the Red Devils’ front seven must generate pressure without relying heavily on blitzes. Forcing early three-and-outs will be crucial to building confidence and silencing a home crowd eager to cheer on their Gents.

Keys to the Game: Crowley Gent

The Crowley Gent have the clear advantage of playing under their own lights. The energy of a home crowd in week one is a tangible force. The Gents must harness that energy from the start, setting a physical tone on both lines of scrimmage. Establishing a dominant running game will be paramount, as it would ease the pressure on any new starting quarterback and wear down the Port Barre defense over four quarters.

Defensively, Crowley must be disciplined. With so little film on a new-season opponent, staying assignment-sound is critical. The secondary must communicate effectively to avoid giving up a big, momentum-shifting play that can fuel an underdog road team. Creating a single turnover could be the difference in what promises to be a tightly contested battle.

The X-Factors

In a game where so much is unknown, the little things decide the outcome.

• Special Teams: Often overlooked in week one, a botched punt, a missed field goal, or a big kick return can completely swing field position and momentum. Which team has spent more time on their kicking game?

• Conditioning: The Louisiana heat and humidity in early September are a brutal opponent in themselves. The team with the deeper roster and superior conditioning will have a significant advantage in the fourth quarter.

• Quarterback Play: This is the biggest question mark for nearly every team in week one. Which signal-caller will manage the game effectively, avoid costly mistakes, and make the one or two big throws when needed?

A Tradition of Louisiana Football

Games like Port Barre vs Crowley are the lifeblood of high school football in Louisiana. It’s not just about rankings or stats; it’s about community pride. For the players, it’s a chance to create a legacy. For the fans, it’s a weekly ritual. The sound of the band, the smell of concession stands, and the collective roar on a big play—these are the elements that make these games so special.

This non-conference clash offers both teams a chance to gauge their progress against unfamiliar competition before diving into the grueling schedule of district play. A win here provides invaluable momentum and confidence. A loss, while not devastating, offers a tough lesson on what needs to be fixed before the games start to carry more weight.

How to Follow the Action

Can’t make it to Crowley High School? You can still follow every snap. The game is looking for live reporters to provide real-time updates. This is a fantastic opportunity for students, parents, or super-fans to contribute to the coverage of their team.

Be sure to follow the comprehensive coverage of this and every other game across the state at HS Football Insider, your one-stop shop for scores, stats, and stories from the world of Louisiana High School Football.

Final Prediction

Predicting a week one game between two teams with so many unknowns is a near-impossible task. On paper, Crowley holds a slight ranking advantage and the benefit of home-field advantage. That environment, coupled with the first-game jitters that can affect a team traveling on the road, might be the difference.

However, the Port Barre Red Devils have everything to gain and nothing to lose. They will come in with a focused, underdog mentality, ready to prove the rankings wrong.

Expect a low-scoring, physical game dominated by defense and the running game. The team that wins the turnover battle and makes the fewest mental mistakes will emerge victorious. In the end, the home crowd might will the Gents to a hard-fought, narrow victory.

Final Score: Crowley 17, Port Barre 13

No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: football is back in Louisiana, and that’s a reason for everyone to celebrate.