News Summary
The California high school football season has commenced, showcasing breathtaking plays and intense competition among teams statewide. Fans are actively engaged, voting for the favorite plays from the opening week until the end of August. Highlighted moments include critical defensive plays, remarkable touchdowns, and thrilling game-winning passing performances. As some teams secure strong victories, anticipation builds for upcoming matchups, promising an exciting season ahead for players and fans alike.
California – The 2025 California high school football season kicked off last week, showcasing thrilling plays and strong performances as teams vied for victory across the state. As the season progresses, fan engagement is at an all-time high, with the voting for the favorite play from the opening week currently open until August 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
The opening week delivered a range of impressive highlights, featuring standout plays such as Murrieta’s defense forcing a critical fumble, and Centennial’s Ty Plinski making a remarkable one-handed touchdown catch, which topped the list of must-see moments. Other highlights included Sierra Canyon’s Jaxsen Stokes darting through defenders for a touchdown, Mission Viejo quarterback Luke Fahey’s game-winning touchdown pass to Jack Junker, and St. Mary’s Landon McClendon achieving a 65-yard scoop-and-score after delivering a big hit.
Football enthusiasts can enjoy more high school football by streaming games live and on-demand through the NFHS Network. Excitement builds for the next round of matches, including Centennial High School’s game against Santa Margarita High School on August 28 at 7 p.m. PT.
Week one results reflected the competitive spirit of California high school football, with several teams securing impressive victories. Mater Dei (Santa Ana), ranked No. 1 nationally, emerged with a 26-23 win over St. Thomas Aquinas despite a strong first-half lead of 26-3. St. John Bosco (Bellflower) secured a commanding 31-0 victory against Manatee, highlighted by Koa Malau’ulu throwing three touchdown passes within the first half. Orange Lutheran (Orange) also celebrated a tight win against Northwestern in Miami, finishing with a score of 17-13.
Folsom recorded a decisive 51-13 victory over the previously ranked No. 15 Grant (Sacramento), and Centennial dominated Servite with a score of 42-14. Cathedral triumphed over Loyola, achieving a 36-14 victory to secure a successful start to their season. As the season unfolds, five out of ten sections are set to commence their football seasons this week, including Central Coast, North Coast, San Francisco, Oakland, and Northern.
The defending CIF Bowl champions from last season include Mater Dei in the Open Division and Lincoln-San Diego in the 1-AA Division, among other victorious teams. New rankings will be released every Monday throughout the season, allowing teams to gauge their performance compared to others in their respective divisions.
As teams prepare for their upcoming games, the competition intensifies. Mater Dei improved its record to 2-0 following a forfeited game against Bishop Montgomery. In another noteworthy performance, the Huskies from Centennial collected an impressive 551 yards against Servite, with quarterback Dominick Catalano throwing for 330 yards and four touchdowns.
The landscape of California high school football is vibrant and fiercely competitive, with numerous players making significant contributions during the opening week, showcasing electrifying touchdowns and impressive passing efficiency. As the season continues, schools are eager to bounce back from losses while others push forward with strong collaborations on offense.
Fans eagerly anticipate future matchups as various rivalries are set to unfold, driving players and teams to deliver their best performances week after week. The enthusiasm and dedication of this season promise to enhance the experience for players, fans, and the entire California high school football community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bella Emanuel Scores First Career Touchdown for Santa Margarita
Jordan Crisp Records Career-High Touchdowns in Latest Game
Orange County High School Football Rankings Released
El Monte High School Football Star Shines with a Career-High Game
California High School Football Season Kicks Off
Mission Viejo Edges Santa Margarita in Season Opener
Mater Dei High School Football Team Tops Early Rankings
Mission Viejo High School Football Team Triumphs
Mission Viejo Triumphs Over Santa Margarita in Season Opener
Mission Viejo High School Wins Season Opener Against Santa Margarita
Additional Resources
- USA Today High School Sports
- Sports Illustrated High School
- Los Angeles Times Sports
- High School Football America
- Redding.com
- Wikipedia: California High School Football
- Google Search: California High School Football 2025
- Google Scholar: California High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Google News: California High School Football
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.
