Get ready for an electrifying football game that took place on Friday, August 29, 2025, as the Westlake Lions traveled to take on the Gainesville Red Elephants at City Park Stadium in Gainesville, Georgia. This highly anticipated non-conference matchup pitted two of Georgia’s top programs against each other in an early-season test of strength and skill. The Westlake Lions, a perennial powerhouse from Atlanta, were coming into the game with a 1-1 record after a win over Douglass and a loss to Langston Hughes. The Gainesville Red Elephants, a consistently strong program from Gainesville with a long history of success, were coming off an impressive 2-0 start to the 2025 season with dominant victories over Marietta and Moody. This game was a must-see for high school football fans, as it brought together two top-tier programs with a shared drive for victory and regional bragging rights. The atmosphere was sure to be electric, with both teams leaving it all on the field in this early-season battle. The outcome of this contest was significant for both teams as they looked to establish momentum for their 2025 campaigns.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: High School Football
Who: Westlake Lions vs Gainesville Red Elephants
When: Friday, Aug. 29, 2025
Who Won This Matchup?
This was a classic battle of two competitive programs, but the Gainesville Red Elephants won this game in a dominant fashion. The Red Elephants, with their 2-0 record entering the game, were the favorites to win against the visiting Lions, who had a 1-1 record. Gainesville’s offense was led by quarterback Kharim Hughley, who threw for three touchdowns in the victory. The Red Elephants’ defense also came up big, holding the Lions to a single touchdown and forcing a turnover on downs early in the game. Westlake’s offense, despite having a key play in the first half with a long pass from quarterback Sean Smith to Travis Smith Jr. for a touchdown, was ultimately unable to overcome the Red Elephants’ consistent scoring and strong defensive pressure. The final score was Gainesville 41, Westlake 7.
Team Records and History
Both the Westlake Lions and the Gainesville Red Elephants have a rich history in Georgia high school football. The Westlake Lions, from Atlanta, Georgia, have a long and decorated history of success. They are known for their consistent winning and their ability to produce college-level and professional talent. The Lions are a perennial state contender, having made deep playoff runs in recent years. The Gainesville Red Elephants, from Gainesville, Georgia, also have a long and decorated history. The Red Elephants are the only high school in the country with that mascot, which they received in the 1920s. They are known for their strong program and have produced notable alumni like NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson. This matchup was a clash of two determined programs, each looking to add to their legacies.
Team Recent Results
This table provides a look at the most recent results for both the Westlake Lions and the Gainesville Red Elephants from their 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Westlake Lions Recent Results
The Lions are coming off a playoff season in 2024 and have started their 2025 season with a win and a loss. Here are some of their recent game scores:
Date | Opponent | Score | Result |
Fri, Aug 22, 2025 | vs. Douglass | W 35-7 | Win |
Fri, Aug 15, 2025 | vs. Langston Hughes | L 21-46 | Loss |
Fri, Nov 29, 2024 | vs. Thomas County Central | L 35-14 | Loss |
Gainesville Red Elephants Recent Results
The Red Elephants finished their 2024 season with a playoff run and have started their 2025 season with a perfect record. Here are some of their most recent scores:
Date | Opponent | Score | Result |
Fri, Aug 21, 2025 | vs. Moody | W 49-7 | Win |
Fri, Aug 15, 2025 | vs. Marietta | W 26-7 | Win |
Fri, Nov 29, 2024 | vs. Roswell | L 48-45 | Loss |
Westlake Lions Upcoming Games Schedule
After their game against the Gainesville Red Elephants, the Westlake Lions will face a challenging schedule in their 2025 season.
Date | Opponent | Location | Time (ET) |
Fri, Sep 5 | vs. Therrell | Atlanta, GA | 7:30 p.m. |
Fri, Sep 12 | vs. Roswell | Atlanta, GA | 7:30 p.m. |
Fri, Sep 19 | @ Hapeville Charter | Hapeville, GA | 7:30 p.m. |
Fri, Oct 3 | vs. Carrollton* | Atlanta, GA | 7:30 p.m. |
Fri, Oct 10 | vs. Douglas County* | Atlanta, GA | 7:30 p.m. |
Gainesville Red Elephants Upcoming Games Schedule
The Gainesville Red Elephants have a demanding schedule ahead in their 2025 season, starting with their home game against Westlake.
Date | Opponent | Location | Time (ET) |
Fri, Sep 12 | vs. Carrollton | Gainesville, GA | 7:30 p.m. |
Fri, Sep 19 | @ Lanier* | Sugar Hill, GA | 7:30 p.m. |
Fri, Sep 26 | vs. Johns Creek* | Gainesville, GA | 7:30 p.m. |
Fri, Oct 3 | @ Seckinger* | Buford, GA | 7:00 p.m. |
Fri, Oct 10 | @ Milton* | Milton, GA | 7:30 p.m. |