High school football is officially back, and one of the most enticing games of the early season goes down in the DFW this weekend with Highland Park set to host Rockwall-Heath.
In last season's contest, Highland Park took home a 34-21 win, led by quarterback Buck Randall, who accounted for three touchdowns. Rockwall-Heath still had its moments—Ashton Bradford ripped off a 68-yard touchdown run, and Jaylon Rochell returned a kickoff 101 yards for a score—but Highland Park’s early lead carried the day.
Here we go again with an early-season contest between these two rivals. Highland Park will be trying to repeat its win, Rockwall-Heath wants a big road victory, and it’s a nice, low-key way to settle into Friday night football in Texas. No pressure, right? Just a couple of local schools, rabid fans and the start of a new season.
Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Highland Park vs. Rockwall-Heath and when the game will start.
How to watch Highland Park vs. Rockwall-Heath football
- TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: NFHS Network
Fans can catch Highland Park vs. Rockwall-Heath football live on NFHS Network.
Many Texas high school games are available via NFHS Network, which streams high school football from across the country live. If there's a big-time ball game, you can bet it's probably live on NFHS.
Highland Park vs. Rockwall-Heath football kickoff time
- Date: Friday, Aug 29, 2025
- Kickoff time: 7 p.m. CT
Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. local time —a traditional start for Texas high school football openers.
Sporting News Top 25 High School Rankings
The Sporting News Top 25 gives a snapshot of the strongest high school football programs across the country. While Highland Park and Rockwall-Heath aren’t in the national rankings, the list is a good way to see where the bar is set at the top. Texas teams are always in the mix, and games like this one are part of what makes the state so competitive every year.
Here's the complete list:
- Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) Monarchs
- Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) Gaels
- St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA) Braves
- St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, MD) Panthers
- IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) Ascenders
- Duncanville (Texas) Panthers
- Grayson (Loganville, GA) Rams
- American Heritage (Plantation, FL) Patriots
- Centennial (Corona, CA) Huskies
- St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Raiders
- Buford (GA) Wolves
- North Crowley (TX) Panthers
- Orange (CA) Lutheran Lancers
- Thompson (Alabaster, AL) Warriors
- DeSoto (TX) Eagles
- Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, FL) Lions
- East St. Louis (IL) Flyers
- Bergen Catholic (Oradell, NJ) Crusaders
- Mission Viejo (CA) Diablos
- Edna Karr (New Orleans, LA) Cougars
- Corner Canyon (Draper, UT) Chargers
- Southlake (TX) Carroll Dragons
- Milton (GA) Eagles
- Liberty (Peoria, AZ) Lions
- Grimsley (Greensboro, NC) Whirlies