Zephyrhills football fans won’t have to wait much longer to get their first taste of the 2025 season. The highly anticipated Saturday Night Lights event returns tomorrow, August 2, at 6 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium, offering a unique under-the-lights experience for the community.
The annual tradition, now a staple for Zephyrhills High School, features an open-to-the-public full-pads practice from Coach Nick Carroll’s 2025 Bulldogs. The event offers fans a first look at the squad that will be chasing its fifth straight district title.
“We want to do something special for the community,” Carroll said during North Suncoast Media Day on Thursday. “I thought to do something that was not like a lot of high schools, so we have Saturday Night Lights. It’s the first day in full pads, the lights are on, and hopefully it’s a little cooler during that time.”
The Bulldogs opened training camp this week after a summer packed with workouts and 7-on-7 competitions. With just two weeks until their preseason classic matchup against Palmetto on August 15, Saturday Night Lights serves as both an internal evaluation and a showcase.
“We’re going to see what we need to work on,” Carroll said. “And it gives the community a chance to enjoy football and get excited for our upcoming season.”
For the players, it’s more than just a practice — it’s a chance to perform.
“Honestly, it’s better when you show out for your community and show them all that you put toward that summer training,” said senior linebacker Kyrhii Everett. “They can see all the pieces put together.”
Coming off an 8-4 season that ended in the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs, expectations are high for the Bulldogs. Coach Carroll enters his 10th season at the helm with an impressive 74-27 overall record.
With the lights on, the pads popping, and the community in the stands, Saturday Night Lights is shaping up to be the perfect kickoff for another exciting season of Bulldog football.