The 2025 Arizona high school football season continues with a Tucson-area non-conference matchup as the Empire Ravens host the Sahuaro Cougars on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Tucson, AZ. Both teams begin their seasons with expectations to make a statement in Week 1.
Game Details
○ Matchup: Sahuaro (Tucson, AZ) vs Empire (Tucson, AZ)
○ Date & Time: Friday, August 29, 2025 – 7:00 PM
○ Location: Empire High School, Tucson, AZ
○ Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Fans can attend in person by purchasing digital tickets on GoFan or stream the action live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).
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Sahuaro Cougars
The Cougars open the season ranked #7,387 nationally, #113 in Arizona, and #25 in their division. Sahuaro will look to start fast with their mix of athletic playmakers and physical defense.
○ 2025 Record: 0-0
○ National Rank: #7,387
○ State Rank: #113 (AZ)
○ Division Rank: #25
○ Strengths: Athletic roster, strong defense, motivated to contend
○ Key to Win: Set the tone early and avoid turnovers
Empire Ravens
The Ravens enter ranked #11,015 nationally, #165 in Arizona, and #42 in their division. Playing at home, Empire will aim to showcase improvement and pull off an early-season statement win.
○ 2025 Record: 0-0
○ National Rank: #11,015
○ State Rank: #165 (AZ)
○ Division Rank: #42
○ Strengths: Home-field advantage, developing squad, disciplined approach
○ Key to Win: Control the tempo and contain Sahuaro’s offensive threats
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Division Rank | Record | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahuaro Cougars | 7,387 | 113 (AZ) | 25 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 |
| Empire Ravens | 11,015 | 165 (AZ) | 42 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 |
Melvin Smith is a high school sports enthusiast with a passion for capturing the energy of student competitions. He enjoys sharing stories that celebrate athletes’ dedication and the community spirit of the game.