The season opener for the North Crowley Panthers and the Lancaster Tigers is a high-stakes, must-watch event. This non-district clash, scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. CT at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, pits two of the state’s top high school football programs against each other. The North Crowley Panthers enter the 2025 season with immense pressure and a target on their back as the defending Class 6A Division I state champions. They are coming off a perfect 16-0 season, a historic run that saw them defeat powerhouses like DeSoto and Duncanville on their way to the title. However, they’ve undergone some changes, with key players and their offensive coordinator having moved on. The Lancaster Tigers, a perennial playoff contender, will be looking to make an early statement. Despite a 5-7 record last season, they still managed to make a run to the second round of the playoffs in a tough district. This game will be an early test of North Crowley’s ability to maintain its dominance and Lancaster’s potential to be a contender in 2025.

Here’s what you need to know:
What: High School Football
Who: North Crowley Panthers vs Lancaster Tigers
When: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 — 7 p.m. CT | 5 p.m. PT
Where: Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas

Where to Watch This Match?

For fans who can’t be at the stadium to witness the action live, the matchup between the North Crowley Panthers and the Lancaster Tigers will be live-streamed on the NFHS Network. The NFHS Network provides live and on-demand high school sports coverage from across the country, making it an excellent option for family members, friends, and fans who want to follow the game from anywhere. You can subscribe to the NFHS Network on a monthly or annual basis to gain access to this game and many others throughout the season. The live stream is scheduled to begin just before the 7 p.m. CT kickoff on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Be sure to check the NFHS Network website or app for the most up-to-date information on how to access the stream and get ready for a thrilling night of Texas high school football.

Who Will Win This Matchup?

This is a fascinating case of a defending champion facing a hungry challenger. The North Crowley Panthers are the heavy favorite, as they are a top-ranked team in the state and the nation. They are coming off a historic, undefeated season and have a winning culture under head coach Ray Gates. However, they will have to replace key players, including their starting quarterback and a star wide receiver. The Lancaster Tigers may have had a sub-.500 record last season, but they are a talented team that plays in a hyper-competitive district. They also have an experienced running back returning who ran for nearly 1,500 yards last season. While North Crowley is the home team and has the pedigree, the Tigers are a dangerous underdog. This will be a great test for North Crowley’s new-look offense and a chance for Lancaster to prove they are a team to be reckoned with. Given their recent history, North Crowley has the edge, but this is Texas high school football, and anything can happen on any given night.

Team Records and History

Both the North Crowley Panthers and the Lancaster Tigers are football programs with a history of success in Texas. The North Crowley Panthers, under the leadership of head coach Ray Gates, have recently emerged as a Texas high school football powerhouse. They are the reigning Class 6A Division I state champions, a title they won with a perfect 16-0 record in 2024. Their program is known for its high-octane offense and stingy defense, and they are now considered one of the top teams in the state.

The Lancaster Tigers have a history of being a highly competitive team in the state of Texas. While they have not won a state championship, they have been a perennial playoff contender, with a history of deep playoff runs. The Tigers have produced numerous college and professional athletes and are known for their physical and hard-nosed style of play. They are a fixture in the highly competitive District 11-6A, which includes other Texas powerhouses like Duncanville and DeSoto.

Recent Results and Scores

As this is the season opener for both teams, there are no recent results from the 2025 season to report. Both the North Crowley Panthers and the Lancaster Tigers are starting the season with a 0-0 record.

Upcoming Games Schedule

Here are the upcoming games for both teams after their season opener.

North Crowley Panthers Upcoming Games

Lancaster Tigers Upcoming Games