The 2025 Georgia high school football season features a marquee non-conference showdown as the Gainesville Red Elephants host the Moody Blue Devils in Gainesville. This interstate matchup kicks off on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM at City Park Stadium.
Gainesville comes in as one of the top-ranked programs in Georgia, riding high after a dominant Week 1 win, while Moody, an Alabama state finalist in 2024, makes its season debut looking to prove itself against elite competition.
Game Details
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Matchup: Gainesville (Gainesville, GA) vs Moody (Moody, AL)
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Date & Time: Thursday, August 21, 2025 – 7:00 PM
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Location: City Park Stadium, Gainesville, GA
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Live Coverage: Watch on NFHS Network, follow live scores on MaxPreps
Gainesville Red Elephants
The Red Elephants opened 2025 with a statement win, defeating Marietta 26-7 at home. Their explosive offense, led by four-star junior QB Kharim Hughley (191 passing yards, 2 TDs), and RB Nigel Newkirk (120 rushing yards, 2 TDs), set the tone. On defense, Gainesville dominated with 7 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, highlighted by Alabama commit Xavier Griffin (3 sacks).
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2025 Record: 1-0
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Strengths: Elite defense, balanced offensive attack, home-field advantage
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Key to Win: Keep Hughley protected and maintain defensive pressure
Moody Blue Devils
The Blue Devils come off an 11-3 season in 2024 that ended in the Alabama Class 5A state championship game. With a powerful defensive front featuring Cam Mallory, Henry Smith, and Ba’Roc Willis, Moody brings back a core that combined for over 650 tackles and 60 sacks last season. On offense, they return key skill players but must adjust to life without last year’s standout QB.
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2025 Record: 0-0
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Strengths: Dominant defensive front, physicality, playoff-tested roster
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Key to Win: Slow down Gainesville’s passing attack and create turnovers
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Class Rank | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gainesville | 71 | 10 (GA) | 4 | 1-0 |
| Moody | 632 | 20 (AL) | 2 (5A) | 0-0 |
