The gridiron rivalry between the Bishop Heelan Catholic Crusaders and the Le Mars Bulldogs is set to reignite in a highly anticipated Iowa high school football game on Friday, September 5, 2025. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT, and the energy surrounding this matchup is palpable. Both teams are entering the contest with a 1-0 record, having started their seasons on a high note, which makes this Week 2 showdown a critical test for both programs. The Bishop Heelan Crusaders, with a rich history of state titles and playoff appearances, will be looking to assert their dominance and continue their winning streak. The Le Mars Bulldogs, meanwhile, are eager to build on their impressive season-opening victory and prove they can go toe-to-toe with one of the state’s most decorated programs. This game is not just about a win; it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the season and earning crucial bragging rights in a fierce regional rivalry.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Iowa High School Football
Game: Bishop Heelan Catholic Crusaders vs Le Mars Bulldogs
Date/time: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 — 7 p.m. CDT
Watch: Bishop Heelan Catholic vs Le Mars Live (Free Trial)!
Who Will Win This Matchup?
This Week 2 game pits two undefeated teams against each other, but a closer look at their recent performances and history reveals a potential favorite. The Le Mars Bulldogs are coming off a convincing 35-14 victory over Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln, a strong statement win on the road. This win demonstrates the Bulldogs’ ability to perform under pressure and put points on the board. On the other side, the Bishop Heelan Crusaders secured a hard-fought 14-6 victory over Sergeant Bluff-Luton. While a win is a win, the Crusaders’ narrow margin of victory against a tough opponent suggests this will be a challenging matchup. Le Mars also has a strong home-field advantage. While Bishop Heelan is a historically strong program, Le Mars’s dominant Week 1 performance gives them a clear edge in this matchup. Barring a major turnaround in Heelan’s offensive output, the Le Mars Bulldogs are likely to emerge victorious in this Week 2 showdown.
Team Records and History
The Bishop Heelan Catholic Crusaders have one of the most successful football programs in Iowa, boasting six state championships (1961, 1971, 1975, 1982, 2008, 2013). Their history is defined by consistent excellence and frequent playoff appearances, making them a respected and formidable opponent in any season. The program’s sustained success is a testament to its strong coaching and development of top-tier talent. The Le Mars Bulldogs also have a proud football history and have consistently been a competitive program. While they may not have as many state titles as the Crusaders, the Bulldogs have had several successful seasons and are a respected program in their own right. They have a reputation for being a tough, physical team that plays with heart and determination, especially when facing a rival.
Team Recent Results and Scores
Bishop Heelan Catholic Crusaders Recent Results
The Crusaders are coming into this game with a win in their season opener.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Aug 29, 2025 | vs Sergeant Bluff-Luton | Win | 14-6 |
| Nov 1, 2024 | at Nevada | Loss | 14-21 |
| Oct 25, 2024 | vs MOC-Floyd Valley | Loss | 21-49 |
| Oct 18, 2024 | vs Sergeant Bluff-Luton | Loss | 23-42 |
| Oct 11, 2024 | at Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley | Win | 37-6 |
Le Mars Bulldogs Recent Results
The Bulldogs started their 2025 season with a decisive victory, continuing a trend of solid performances from the end of the 2024 season.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Aug 29, 2025 | at Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln | Win | 35-14 |
| Oct 25, 2024 | vs Storm Lake | Win | 49-0 |
| Oct 18, 2024 | at Denison-Schleswig | Win | 49-13 |
| Oct 11, 2024 | vs Fort Dodge | Win | 44-37 |
| Oct 4, 2024 | at Sioux City West | Win | 48-16 |
Bishop Heelan Catholic Crusaders Upcoming Games Schedule
Following their matchup against the Le Mars Bulldogs, the Crusaders will continue their 2025 campaign with a challenging schedule.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| Sep 12, 2025 | vs Sioux City East | Sioux City, IA |
| Sep 19, 2025 | vs Sioux City North | Sioux City, IA |
| Sep 26, 2025 | at Sioux Center | Sioux Center, IA |
| Oct 3, 2025 | vs MOC-Floyd Valley | Sioux City, IA |
| Oct 10, 2025 | vs Webster City | Sioux City, IA |
| Oct 17, 2025 | at Humboldt | Humboldt, IA |
Le Mars Bulldogs Upcoming Games Schedule
The Le Mars Bulldogs will look to maintain their winning momentum with a full slate of games following their contest with the Crusaders.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| Sep 12, 2025 | at Sioux Center | Sioux Center, IA |
| Sep 19, 2025 | vs MOC-Floyd Valley | Le Mars, IA |
| Sep 26, 2025 | vs Spencer | Le Mars, IA |
| Oct 2, 2025 | at Sioux City West | Sioux City, IA |
| Oct 10, 2025 | vs Sergeant Bluff-Luton | Le Mars, IA |
| Oct 17, 2025 | at Fort Dodge | Fort Dodge, IA |
How to Watch Bishop Heelan Catholic Crusaders vs Le Mars Bulldogs
For fans who can’t attend the game in person, there are a few options to watch the Bishop Heelan Catholic Crusaders vs Le Mars Bulldogs matchup. High school football games in Iowa are often broadcast on local sports networks, and some schools offer live streaming through platforms like the NFHS Network or Hudl. It is highly recommended to check the official athletic websites for both Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools and Le Mars Community School District, as they will have the most accurate and up-to-date information on any live broadcasts or streaming services. Additionally, local news outlets may provide live coverage or score updates. Following the schools’ social media accounts can also be a reliable way to get real-time updates and links to streams if they are made available.
