The 2025 high school football season continues with a Bardstown rivalry matchup as the Thomas Nelson Generals (1-1) take on the Nelson County Cardinals (2-0) in a non-conference game on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM. With both teams off to solid starts, local bragging rights will be on the line under the Friday night lights.
Game Details
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Matchup: Thomas Nelson (KY) @ Nelson County (KY)
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Date & Time: 9/5/2025 – 7:30 PM
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Location: Nelson County High School, Bardstown, KY
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Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Fans can purchase digital tickets through GoFan or stream the game live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).
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Thomas Nelson Generals
Thomas Nelson sits at 1-1, having shown flashes of potential but struggling offensively with just 14 total points scored. Ranked #12,525 nationally and #196 in Kentucky, the Generals must find a spark on offense while limiting turnovers. Their defense will also need to contain Nelson County’s high-scoring attack.
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2025 Record: 1-1
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National Rank: #12,525
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State Rank (KY): #196
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Key to Win: Establish a balanced offense, lean on Coy Paxton’s ground game, and prevent big plays from Nelson County.
Main Squad:
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Jacob Reynolds – QB/WR
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Coy Paxton – RB
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Elijah Green – WR/DB
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Matthew Lawson – LB
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Carter White – WR
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Logan Bryant – OL/DL
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Hunter Collins – DB
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Tyler Hayes – TE/LB
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Blake Johnson – LB
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Mason Reed – DL
Nelson County Cardinals
The Cardinals are off to an impressive 2-0 start, scoring 76 total points across two games. Ranked #7,271 nationally and #99 in Kentucky, Nelson County has been explosive on offense while showing resilience on defense. Playing at home, they’ll look to stay perfect and continue their early-season surge.
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2025 Record: 2-0
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National Rank: #7,271
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State Rank (KY): #99
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Key to Win: Ride their offensive momentum, dominate time of possession, and force Thomas Nelson into third-and-long situations.
Main Squad:
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Aiden Clark – QB
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Jordan Smith – RB
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Caleb Johnson – WR
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Peyton Hall – WR/DB
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Marcus Carter – LB
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Dylan Moore – RB
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Trey Harmon – OL/DL
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Isaiah Thompson – DB
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Landon Scott – LB
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Brandon Ellis – WR
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Nelson | #12,525 | #196 (KY) | 1-1 |
| Nelson County | #7,271 | #99 (KY) | 2-0 |
MD Raj is passionate about high school sports and enjoys highlighting the efforts and achievements of student athletes. His goal is to inspire others with stories of teamwork and dedication.
