August 21, 2025

Orange County High School Football Season Kicks Off

News Summary

The Orange County high school football season is set to commence with thrilling matchups starting August 21. Key games include Mission Viejo against Santa Margarita, showcasing top talents like quarterback Luke Fahey and receiver Trent Mosley. Other notable matchups feature teams such as San Clemente, Tustin, and Mater Dei, promising an action-packed weekend for fans and players alike.

Orange County is gearing up for an exciting high school football season as it officially kicks off this week, with several key matchups scheduled to start on August 21. The games will showcase talented teams and players, igniting local rivalries and setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season.

Game of the Week: Mission Viejo vs. Santa Margarita

The highlight of the opening weekend is the anticipated clash between No. 2 Mission Viejo and No. 3 Santa Margarita, both entering the game with a 0-0 record. This significant matchup is set for Friday at 7 p.m. at Trabuco Hills High.

Mission Viejo brings a loaded roster, featuring quarterback Luke Fahey, a top recruit committed to Ohio State, who will take the starting role this season after sharing responsibilities last year. Wide receiver Vance Spafford, a two-time All-Orange County selection and a commitment to the University of Miami, is expected to be a key target for Fahey.

Santa Margarita, under the new coaching direction of former Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer, will field quarterback Trace Johnson, a Tulane commit who transferred from Florida. The Eagles’ receiving corps also includes senior playmaker Trent Mosley, a USC commit, who is regarded as one of the top offensive threats in the area. Mission Viejo is favored to win due to their experience and skill level.

Other Noteworthy Matchups

In another exciting game, No. 11 San Clemente will face off against No. 8 Tustin, also on Friday at 7 p.m. at Tustin High. San Clemente boasts several returning starters along with a robust defensive line, while Tustin is highlighted for its talent from the Hot 150 player rankings. Tustin is predicted to secure a victory in this matchup.

Another intriguing game features Temecula Chaparral against No. 6 San Juan Hills, which will also take place on Friday at 7 p.m. at San Juan Hills High. Chaparral’s quarterback Dane Weber has drawn interest from several colleges, including Arizona and Utah. On the other hand, San Juan Hills’ Timmy Herr was last year’s Bravo League player of the year. San Juan Hills is expected to win this contest.

A matchup between El Modena and No. 24 Troy will take place at Fullerton High on Friday at 7 p.m. El Modena has a physical style of play but lacks returning starters, while Troy’s running back Ethan Mundt is coming off a season where he rushed for 1,502 yards. Troy is again favored to win.

The weekend will wrap up with No. 1 Mater Dei taking on St. Thomas Aquinas on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. This game will be broadcast live on ESPN. Mater Dei enters the season as the defending national champion and is ranked No. 1 nationally. The Monarch’s starting quarterback Ryan Hopkins, a transfer committed to Wisconsin, is set to make his debut. With a strong lineup of college-bound players, Mater Dei is also predicted to win in this high-stakes encounter.

Upcoming Schedule and Key Players

The full schedule for Orange County high school football games runs from August 21-23, providing fans with multiple matchups each day. Notable players to keep an eye on this season include Mission Viejo’s Luke Fahey, Santa Margarita’s Trent Mosley, and Mater Dei’s Tomuhini Topui. As the games unfold, local fans are eager to witness the emergence of new talents and the continuation of established rivalries.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Carson Palmer Makes Coaching Debut at Santa Margarita High School
California High School Football Season Kicks Off
Mission Viejo Diablos Suffer Defeat Against Woodbridge Warriors
Mater Dei High School Aims for Football Three-Peat in Orange County
Dijon Lee Jr. Set to Impact Alabama’s Defense This Fall
California High School Football Begins with Key Matchups
Dijon Lee Jr. Joins Alabama Crimson Tide as Freshman Cornerback
Mission Viejo High School Football Team Secures Home Victory
Orange County High School Sports Scores
2025 High School Football Season Kicks Off in Orange County

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER

MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange 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 Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER

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