The Vermont high school football season kicks off with a Green Mountain State rivalry as the Middlebury Tigers hit the road to face the Essex Hornets in a conference matchup on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Essex Junction. Both teams enter the contest looking to set the tone early in divisional play.
Game Details
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Matchup: Middlebury Tigers @ Essex Hornets
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Date & Time: Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 – 6:30 PM
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Location: Essex High School, Essex Junction, VT
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Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
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Middlebury Tigers
Middlebury begins the 2025 campaign ranked #5,332 nationally and #3 in Vermont (Division III). The Tigers are known for their physical brand of football, with a balanced attack that emphasizes ball control and tough defensive play. They will be looking to make an early statement in the league and build momentum toward a playoff run.
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2025 Record: 0-0
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National Rank: #5,332
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State Rank (VT): #3
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Division Rank: #3
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Key to Win: Establish the run game early and limit Essex’s offensive possessions.
Main Squad:
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#2 Liam Daniels – QB
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#5 Noah Carter – RB/LB
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#11 Evan Foster – WR/DB
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#21 Jackson Reid – RB
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#44 Ben Harrington – LB/TE
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#52 Caleb Watson – OL/DL
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#9 Logan Price – WR
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#15 Tyler Brooks – DB
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#61 Matthew Stone – OL
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#34 Ryan McCarthy – LB
Essex Hornets
Essex opens the season ranked #8,101 nationally and #7 in Vermont (Division V). The Hornets bring a mix of speed and physicality, looking to improve upon last year’s campaign. Playing at home in front of their fans, Essex will aim to set the tone in league play with a strong showing against a tough Middlebury squad.
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2025 Record: 0-0
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National Rank: #8,101
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State Rank (VT): #7
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Division Rank: #5
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Key to Win: Use their speed in the open field and capitalize on turnovers.
Main Squad:
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#4 Connor Blake – QB
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#6 Mason Hill – RB/DB
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#12 Ethan Scott – WR
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#22 Aiden Lewis – RB
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#33 Brady Martin – LB
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#50 Hunter James – OL/DL
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#18 Dylan Foster – WR/DB
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#55 Luke Harris – OL
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#7 Caleb Turner – DB
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#40 Owen Nichols – LB
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Division Rank | 2025 Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlebury | #5,332 | #3 (VT) | #3 | 0-0 |
| Essex | #8,101 | #7 (VT) | #5 | 0-0 |
Abu Sayem is a sports enthusiast and writer who enjoys sharing stories about high school athletics. He is passionate about celebrating the teamwork, dedication, and spirit of young athletes.
