The Iowa high school football season continues its thrilling start with a highly anticipated Week 2 matchup between the Liberty Lightning and the Southeast Polk Rams. This game, scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. CDT, is a clash of two top-tier programs with recent success. The Liberty Lightning, fresh off a convincing Week 1 victory over Cedar Falls, will be looking to prove they can hang with the state’s best after moving up to Class 5A. On the other side, the Southeast Polk Rams, a perennial powerhouse and reigning state champion, started their season with a statement win against Ankeny Centennial. This game is a pivotal early-season test for both teams. A victory for Liberty would cement their status as a legitimate contender in their new classification, while a win for Southeast Polk would reinforce their position as the team to beat. The Southeast Polk Rams are the favorites to win this matchup. They are a historically dominant program and are coming off a state championship season in 2024. The Rams started their 2025 campaign with a decisive win over Ankeny Centennial, solidifying their status as a top contender. While the Liberty Lightning also had a strong Week 1 performance with a win over Cedar Falls, they are a newer school that has recently moved up to Class 5A. The Rams’ experience in a more competitive conference and their proven ability to win against high-level opponents give them the edge. They have a talented roster, including key returning players like quarterback Austin Mart and running back Drew Thompson, who will be crucial to their success. Ultimately, the Rams’ championship pedigree and home-field advantage will be the deciding factors.

Here’s what you need to know:
What: Iowa High School Football
Game: Liberty Lightning vs Southeast Polk Rams
Date/time: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 — 7 p.m. CDT
Watch: Liberty vs Southeast Polk Live (Free Trial)!

The Southeast Polk Rams have a storied history in Iowa high school football, particularly in recent years. They have won four consecutive state championships and are known for their consistent excellence and ability to produce top-tier talent. The Rams’ program is a powerhouse built on strong coaching and a disciplined, physical style of play. The Liberty Lightning are a relatively new program that has quickly established itself as a force in Iowa. After a successful run in Class 4A, they were promoted to Class 5A. The Lightning have a reputation for a high-powered offense, led by an all-state quarterback and an impressive group of playmakers. While they may not have the long-standing history of the Rams, their rapid rise to prominence makes them a dangerous opponent.

Team Recent Results and Scores

Liberty Lightning Recent Results

The Lightning are coming off a solid win in their season opener.

Southeast Polk Rams Recent Results

The Rams are coming off a dominant season opener and will look to continue their winning streak.

Liberty Lightning Upcoming Games Schedule

Following their matchup with the Southeast Polk Rams, the Liberty Lightning will continue their 2025 season with a number of challenging games.

Southeast Polk Rams Upcoming Games Schedule

The Southeast Polk Rams will look to build on their strong start as they navigate a tough upcoming schedule.

For fans who can’t attend the game in person, there are a few options to watch the Liberty Lightning vs Southeast Polk Rams football game. High school games in Iowa are often broadcast on local sports networks like Mediacom MC22 and KCRG. It is also common for schools to offer live streaming through platforms like the NFHS Network or Hudl. The official athletic websites and social media pages for both schools will have the most accurate and up-to-date information on any live broadcasts or streaming services. Additionally, sports news websites like MaxPreps and Bound provide real-time score updates throughout the game.