KHSAA 2025 Football Playoffs: First Round Results, Brackets, and RPI Standings Released

• by Elias Whitestone
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When the final whistle blew on the last regular-season game of 2025, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association didn’t just close the books on the season — it opened the door to something bigger. The 2025 KHSAA State Football Playoffs are officially underway, with first-round results in from every classification and the road to the state title now fully mapped out. The championship games? Scheduled for November 15, 2025, at venues yet to be announced, but the journey — filled with blowouts, buzzer-beaters, and upsets — has already begun.

First Round Shockers and Dominant Performances

The opening weekend delivered everything you’d expect from Kentucky high school football: raw power, unexpected twists, and a few teams proving they’re built for the long haul. In Class 1A, Holy Cross (Louisville) didn’t just beat Russellville — they dominated, 35-13, showing why they’re a favorite to make a deep run. Meanwhile, Kentucky Country Day turned their game against Caverna into a clinic, rolling to a 56-16 win. No flukes here — these teams are clicking at the right time.

In Class 2A, the story was all about defense — or the lack thereof. Mayfield didn’t just shut out Hancock County; they made it look easy, winning 55-0. That’s not just a win — it’s a statement. Belfry matched that intensity, dropping 63 on Martin County. And in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, Somerset edged Danville 26-19 in a gritty, physical battle that came down to the final minute.

But the real fireworks came in Class 5A. Bowling Green crushed Apollo 52-27, proving they’re not just a district powerhouse — they’re a state contender. Owensboro didn’t just beat Greenwood — they dismantled them, 42-14. And then there was Covington Catholic, who shredded Boyd County 48-21, sending a clear message to the rest of the bracket: don’t expect mercy.

RPI Rankings: The Secret Sauce Behind the Brackets

Here’s the thing most fans don’t talk about — but every coach knows: it’s not just wins and losses. It’s RPI. The Rating Percentage Index — a complex formula weighing opponents’ strength, winning percentage, and schedule difficulty — is what truly determines seeding. And the numbers tell a story.

In one district, Lawrence County finished 9-1 overall and 4-0 in district play, with a staggering RPI of 0.70002. That’s not just good — it’s elite. Meanwhile, in another district, Bowling Green made the playoffs despite a 4-6 overall record. How? They went 4-0 in district play, and their schedule included three top-10 RPI teams. That’s the beauty — and the brutality — of Kentucky’s system. A team can lose four games and still be the #1 seed if they’ve played the toughest slate.

Other notable RPI leaders: Letcher County Central (0.58972), Franklin-Simpson (0.56538), and Harlan County (0.5459). Even Barren County (0.4792) and Grayson County (0.37778) are in the mix — proving that in Kentucky, no team is ever truly out until the final whistle.

Where the Games Are Streamed — and Who’s Watching

Every playoff game this year will be streamed live on the NFHS Network, a platform that’s become the go-to for fans across the state who can’t make it to the field. Whether you’re a parent in Paducah, a grandparent in Hazard, or a former player living in Florida — you can watch. MaxPreps and scoreboard.12dt.com are the unofficial digital scoreboards, updating every touchdown, every fumble, every last-second field goal in real time.

And the crowds? They’re back. Bigger than ever. In Class 6A, some venues are hitting 8,000+ fans — more than some Division III college games. The passion isn’t just in the stands. It’s in the locker rooms, the local diners, the Facebook groups that turn into war rooms after every loss.

What’s Next: The Road to November 15

The brackets are set. The matchups are locked. Now comes the pressure. Regional championships begin November 1. Semi-finals follow on November 8. And then — the moment every kid in Kentucky dreams of — the state title games on November 15.

Each classification has its own narrative. In Class 1A, it’s about legacy: Holy Cross hasn’t won a state title since 2017. In Class 6A, it’s about redemption: a team that lost in the semifinals last year is back, hungrier than ever. And in Class 2A? It’s about surprise. Who saw Breathitt County — a small school in eastern Kentucky — going 7-3 and beating teams twice their size?

The Middle School Pipeline: KYMSFA’s Role in the Future

While the high school teams fight for glory, the next generation is already preparing. The Kentucky Youth Middle School Football Association (KYMSFA) has its own playoff calendar — with state championships set for the same day: November 15, 2025. The Play-in Round starts October 11. Semi-finals? November 8. That’s not a coincidence. It’s intentional. The KHSAA and KYMSFA are aligning calendars to create a statewide football festival — one that connects generations.

Coaches say it’s working. More kids are playing at 12 and 13 than ever before. The physicality is there. The fundamentals? Better. One coach in Lexington told me, “We used to lose kids to basketball in seventh grade. Now? They’re asking if they can play both.”

Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreboard

This isn’t just about trophies. It’s about community. In small towns like Prestonsburg or Belfry, Friday night football is the heartbeat. The school’s identity. The town’s pride. When Prestonsburg beat Knott County Central 55-6, the entire town shut down. Bars closed. Churches held prayer circles. The local diner gave free pie to anyone wearing a school jersey.

And in cities like Louisville and Lexington, where football competes with basketball for attention, these playoffs remind people that high school football isn’t a relic — it’s alive. It’s loud. It’s emotional. It’s the reason a kid who never thought he’d get a scholarship still believes he can.