LAFAYETTE, LA—The lights at Acadiana High School will burn bright on Friday, September 5, as two of Louisiana’s premier high school football programs, the Ruston Bearcats and the Acadiana Rams, collide in a massive early-season non-conference battle. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in a game that promises to deliver high-stakes drama and a playoff-level atmosphere from the opening whistle.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Ruston vs Acadiana
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Acadiana High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

This matchup is more than just a zero in the win column. It is a statement opportunity for both teams. For the Ruston Bearcats, ranked 3rd overall in Louisiana, it is a chance to prove their statewide dominance against a perennial powerhouse. For the Acadiana Rams, sitting at 11th in the state rankings, it represents the ultimate test to show they remain a force in Class 5A. This game has all the ingredients of an instant classic.

A Look at the Contenders: Ruston Bearcats

The Ruston Bearcats enter the 2025 campaign with immense expectations. Holding a prestigious #3 state ranking and a #1 ranking in their class, the Bearcats are not just playing for a win; they are playing to solidify their status as a legitimate state title contender.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Jerrod Baugh, Ruston has built a program known for its disciplined, physical brand of football. While the team boasts an 0-0 record, the foundation is built on a tradition of excellence. The Bearcats’ offense will look to establish the run early, controlling the clock and imposing their will on the line of scrimmage. Defensively, Ruston is expected to be fast and aggressive, flying to the ball and creating turnovers.

The key for Ruston will be to start fast. Playing on the road in a hostile environment against a program like Acadiana requires mental toughness from the first snap. The Bearcats must execute their game plan with precision and avoid early mistakes that could give the Rams momentum.

A Look at the Contenders: Acadiana Rams

Do not let the #11 state ranking fool you. The Acadiana Rams are a blue-blood program with a storied history of winning, particularly known for their devastating and unique Veer offense. Playing at home in Bill Dotson Stadium, the Rams have a distinct advantage. Their passionate fan base, known as the “Ram Nation,” will create an electrifying environment that is difficult for any visiting team to overcome.

Head Coach Matt McCullough’s squad is synonymous with toughness. The Rams’ identity is built on a powerful, ground-and-pound running game that can demoralize opponents by dominating time of possession. Their defense is typically physical and well-drilled, designed to stop the run and force teams into obvious passing situations.

For Acadiana, this game is about making a resounding statement. A victory over a top-three opponent like Ruston would immediately announce to the entire state that the Rams are back and ready to contend for another championship. They will rely on their home-field advantage and the precision of their signature offensive scheme to control the tempo of the game.

Key Matchups to Watch

The outcome of this heavyweight fight will likely be decided in the trenches. Here are the critical battles that will shape the game:

Ruston’s Defensive Front vs. Acadiana’s Veer Offense: This is the quintessential clash of styles. Ruston’s defensive linemen and linebackers must be exceptionally disciplined. The Veer offense is designed to create confusion and hesitation. Every player must focus on their assignment, maintain gap integrity, and tackle effectively. If Ruston’s defense can consistently penetrate the backfield and disrupt the mesh point between the Acadiana quarterback and his running backs, they can stifle the Rams’ engine.

Acadiana’s Secondary vs. Ruston’s Passing Attack: While Ruston will want to establish the run, they will likely need to take calculated shots downfield to keep the Acadiana defense honest. How Acadiana’s defensive backs handle potential one-on-one coverage situations could be a turning point. If Ruston can hit a couple of big plays through the air, it could force Acadiana to adjust its defensive scheme, opening more lanes for the Bearcats’ running game.

The Turnover Battle: In a game between two evenly matched, physical teams, turnovers are often the great equalizer. The team that protects the football and capitalizes on its opponent’s mistakes will have a monumental advantage. A crucial interception or a forced fumble could swing the momentum entirely and decide what is expected to be a close contest.

The X-Factors

Beyond the Xs and Os, several intangible factors could tip the scales.

Home Field Advantage: Acadiana’s home field is one of the most challenging places to play in Louisiana. The energy from the crowd fuels the Rams and can sometimes overwhelm visiting teams. How Ruston handles the noise and pressure will be critical. Early success could quiet the crowd, while early struggles could amplify it.

First-Game Jitters: With both teams opening their seasons, there is always the potential for sloppy play. Penalties, missed assignments, and special teams miscues are common in Week 1. The team that settles into the game the quickest and plays the most fundamentally sound football will put itself in a position to win.

Coaching Adjustments: This game will be a chess match between two excellent coaching staffs. The team that best makes second-half adjustments—identifying weaknesses and exploiting them—will have a significant edge. The strategic battle between Ruston’s Jerrod Baugh and Acadiana’s Matt McCullough will be fascinating to watch unfold.

What’s at Stake?

While this is a non-conference game and will not impact district standings, the implications are enormous.

For the Ruston Bearcats, a victory on the road against a storied program like Acadiana would provide a massive confidence boost and solidify their top-ranking. It would give them crucial power points for the playoffs and serve as a benchmark for the rest of their season.

For the Acadiana Rams, a win would be a program-defining moment early in the year. Defeating a top-three team would rocket them up the state rankings, instill incredible belief in their players, and send a clear message to the rest of Louisiana that the Rams are for real.

Both teams will use this game as a measuring stick. The film from this contest will provide invaluable lessons that each staff will use to refine their teams for the grueling schedule ahead.

How to Follow the Action

The eyes of the Louisiana high school football world will be on Lafayette this Friday night. For fans unable to attend, staying updated on this and all other great games across the state is easy. For comprehensive coverage, live score updates, and in-depth analysis of this game and every other major matchup, be sure to visit HS Football Insider’s Louisiana category. It is your one-stop hub for everything Louisiana High School Football.

Final Prediction

Predicting a winner in a matchup this balanced is a formidable challenge. Ruston boasts the higher ranking and a formidable, well-rounded team. Acadiana counters with the undeniable advantage of playing at home and an offensive system that is a nightmare to prepare for.

In the end, the slight edge goes to the home team. The intensity of Acadiana’s home-field environment, combined with the complexity of their Veer offense, often gives them a boost in early-season games against even the most talented opponents. Expect a brutal, low-scoring, physical war that comes down to the final possession.

Final Score Prediction: Acadiana 24, Ruston 21

One thing is certain: football fans in Louisiana are in for a treat. This is exactly the kind of high-quality, non-conference matchup that makes high school football so special. Make sure to tune in, because you will not want to miss a single snap of this epic showdown between the Ruston Bearcats and the Acadiana Rams.