News Summary
The California high school football season is about to begin, featuring thrilling matchups that include top-ranked teams and interstate competitions. Week 1 boasts five exciting games, each scheduled for broadcast at 10 p.m. ET on August 22, except for Mater Dei’s match on August 23. Key matchups include Servite versus Centennial and Sierra Canyon facing JSerra Catholic, among others. As teams prepare for the season, fans eagerly await the start of the action on the field.
California – The highly anticipated California high school football season is set to kick off on August 22, featuring thrilling matchups that include top-10 showdowns and interstate games. Week 1 is packed with excitement as teams prepare to showcase their talent on the field, drawing considerable attention from fans statewide.
Among the highlighted games for the opening weekend are five matchups that promise to deliver exhilarating performances and fierce competition. Each game will be broadcasted at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, August 22, with the exception of Mater Dei’s match on Saturday, August 23.
Top Matchups for Opening Weekend
Game 1: Servite vs. Centennial
Date & Time: Friday, August 22, 10 p.m. ET
Location: Husky Stadium, Corona, Calif.
Servite enters the 2024 season with a 6-5 record from the previous year, having lost their last five encounters against elite teams. In contrast, Centennial stands strong at third place in California rankings and enjoys the advantage of home turf. The Massey prediction suggests Centennial will dominate with a projected score of 40 to 14 against Servite.
Game 2: Sierra Canyon vs. JSerra Catholic
Date & Time: Friday, August 22, 10 p.m. ET
Location: Sierra Canyon Football Stadium, Chatsworth, Calif.
Sierra Canyon is coming off a strong finish last season, securing five victories in their last six games. Conversely, JSerra Catholic has struggled, losing five of their last six matches. The Massey prediction for this closeness in skill offers Sierra Canyon a slight edge with a forecasted score of 27 to 25.
Game 3: Mission Viejo vs. Santa Margarita Catholic
Date & Time: Friday, August 22, 10 p.m. ET
Location: Trabuco Hills High School, Mission Viejo, Calif.
With a commendable 10-1 record last season, Mission Viejo is poised to face a competitive challenge from Santa Margarita Catholic, which finished at 5-7. Despite previous victories favoring Mission Viejo, this matchup is anticipated to be tightly contested, with a Massey prediction of 28 to 26 in favor of Mission Viejo.
Game 4: Mater Dei vs. St. Thomas Aquinas
Date & Time: Saturday, August 23, 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Brian Piccolo Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
As the defending CIF Open Division state champion, Mater Dei aims to maintain its dominance within high school football. With an impressive roster, they are favored to overpower Florida’s St. Thomas Aquinas, leading to a Massey prediction of 42 to 7.
Game 5: Orange Lutheran vs. Northwestern
Date & Time: Saturday, August 23, 7 p.m. ET
Location: Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium, Miami, Fla.
Orange Lutheran, having reached the California Division I state semifinals last season, will take on Northwestern, the reigning Florida high school football Class 3A state champion. The predicted outcome is a neck-and-neck battle with Orange Lutheran expected to win, projected at 28 to 22.
What’s Ahead for California High School Football
As the season progresses, fans will have access to real-time updates and final scores from various games throughout California via the Rivals High School Scoreboard. Southern California powerhouses such as Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, and Orange Lutheran are recognized for their formidable performances, creating a sense of anticipation for spectators.
The upcoming season not only promises an exciting array of matchups between California teams but also facilitates inter-state competition as Florida’s teams step up to challenge their Californian counterparts. Additionally, weekly rankings and updates will keep fans informed on team standings and performance throughout the season.
With the kickoff of the high school football season just around the corner, excitement is building among players, fans, and communities as they prepare for an unforgettable year ahead on the gridiron.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Southland High School Football Showcase Talent in Week 0
Mission Viejo Triumphs Over Santa Margarita in Football
Roosevelt Mustangs Continue Winning Streak Against Diablos
Mission Viejo Triumphs Over Santa Margarita in Season Opener
High School Football Week 1 Scores and Upcoming Games
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Southern California Week 1 High School Football Schedule
- Sports Illustrated: California High School Football Top 25 State Rankings
- KCRA: High School Playbook 2025 Week 1
- High School Football America: Mater Dei vs. St. Thomas Aquinas
- High School Football America: Mater Dei Cancellation
- Wikipedia: High School Football in California
- Google Search: California high school football
- Google Scholar: California high school football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- 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.
