News Summary
In a thrilling season opener, the Westside football team secured a 21-12 victory against Laney. The game showcased impressive performances and strategies as both teams battled adverse weather conditions. New head coach Cedric Mason’s leadership made a noticeable impact on the Westside squad, particularly with standout plays, including a crucial touchdown run. Despite a late-game push from Laney, Westside’s defense held strong, setting the stage for an exciting football season ahead in Georgia.
Augusta, GA – In a thrilling opening night for Football Friday Night 2025, the Westside football team edged out Laney with a final score of 21-12. The game took place on August 15, 2025, marking the first week of the highly anticipated football season in Georgia.
The matchup was dynamic, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. Despite undergoing adversity due to inclement weather, which delayed the Greenbrier vs Harlem game and halted the Game Night Live broadcast, Westside managed to secure an early victory, setting a positive tone for their season.
Westside’s victory is particularly notable as they have a new head coach, Cedric Mason, entering his first year with the team. Mason’s guidance has already impacted the players, showcasing their offensive skills and strategic gameplay. In contrast, Laney’s seasoned coach, Ronnie Baker, is entering his fifth year at the helm, bringing experience to a roster that includes 20 seniors, with senior quarterback Jaylen Stone poised to lead the Wildcats this season.
The game featured impressive performances, especially from Laney’s senior quarterback Trevon Griffin, who was expected to be a key player entering the matchup. However, as the game progressed, it was Westside’s Tamari Curry who solidified the win with a remarkable nearly 70-yard touchdown run. This decisive moment helped Westside pull ahead in the latter part of the game.
While Laney attempted a comeback late in the game, quarterback Jaylen Stone’s efforts included a pivotal interception that proved costly for the Wildcats. Following that, Tiquavious Kemp managed to score a touchdown at a critical juncture, but Laney’s attempts to convert the ensuing two-point play were unsuccessful, ultimately keeping them trailing. Despite Laney’s intentions to close the game strong, Westside’s defense held firm to conclude the match in their favor.
Westside’s offense previously averaged 25 points per game last season, and given their performance in the opening match, they seem geared up to continue that trend under new leadership. Laney, on the other hand, finished the previous season undefeated with a 6-0 record, placing pressure on the team to bounce back from this early setback.
This opening game has set the stage for an exciting football season across the central Savannah River area (CSRA). The scores from other matchups reflect the competitive landscape of public school football in Georgia, although specifics about those games remain underreported due to complications caused by the weather.
As the season progresses, both Westside and Laney will look to improve and adapt following their first week performances. The teams will undoubtedly continue to strive for success in this new football season, with the hopes of creating memorable moments for players, schools, and communities alike.
As the excitement builds for future matchups, followers of high school football in Georgia can look forward to a season filled with challenging plays, strategic coaching, and the unforgettable spirit of Friday night lights.
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Additional Resources
- WJBF: Football Friday Night 2025 Week 1 Scores & Highlights
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- WRDW: Westside Defeats Laney in First Week Georgia High School Football
- Google Search: High School Football in Georgia
- Post and Courier: North Augusta Football Beat Midland Valley
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- The Augusta Press: 5 Augusta Area High School Football First Round Playoff Matchups
- Google News: Georgia High School Football Highlights
- Augusta Chronicle: Burke County Football Survives Thomson in Thriller
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
