The stage is set for one of the early highlights of the California high school football season as Cathedral Catholic vs St. Francis takes center stage on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. in Watsonville, California. The Dons, who opened their year with a commanding victory, will make the trip north to face the Sharks in what promises to be a telling non-conference matchup.
Cathedral Catholic vs St. Francis Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Cathedral Catholic vs St. Francis
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
For fans unable to make it in person, digital tickets are available through GoFan, and the game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network, ensuring statewide attention on this interregional battle.
Cathedral Catholic Riding High After Season Opener
The Cathedral Catholic Dons (San Diego, CA) enter the contest with momentum already on their side. At 1-0, they’ve shown early-season form that could carry them deep into 2025. Their opening game showcased a balanced and high-powered attack, overwhelming their opponent 52-7. That explosive start helped them secure a No. 17 state ranking in California and No. 124 nationally.
Statistically, the Dons have been efficient on both sides of the ball. Their offense averaged 313 total yards per game, powered by 131 rushing yards and 182 passing yards. Defensively, they’ve limited opportunities with 60 tackles per game and a consistent pass rush that already averages 2.5 sacks.
St. Francis Looks to Open Its Season Strong
For St. Francis (Watsonville, CA), this clash marks the official start of their season. The Sharks have yet to take the field in 2025, which makes them something of a wildcard opponent. With no stats recorded so far, their potential remains untested, but home-field advantage could prove crucial as they aim to establish early rhythm against a proven powerhouse.
The Sharks finished the 2024 campaign unranked nationally and 625th within California, but season openers often bring surprises. For St. Francis, facing a team of Cathedral Catholic’s caliber offers both a challenge and an opportunity to raise their profile immediately.
Matchup Information
- Game: Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) vs St. Francis (Watsonville)
- Date & Time: Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7 p.m.
- Location: Watsonville, CA (St. Francis High School)
- Tickets: Available through GoFan
- Live Stream: NFHS Network
Breaking Down the Numbers
Cathedral Catholic Team Averages (through Week 1)
- 1st Quarter: 14 points
- 2nd Quarter: 28 points
- 3rd Quarter: 7 points
- 4th Quarter: 3 points
- Final Average: 52 points per game
St. Francis has not yet played a game, leaving their averages unavailable.
Offensive Leaders – Cathedral Catholic
- Rushing Leader: #9 Honor Faalave – 104 yards per game
- Passing Leader: #10 Brady Palmer – 182 yards per game
- Receiving Leader: #6 Parker Johnson – 86 yards per game
- Total Yards Leader: #10 Brady Palmer – 199 total yards per game
Defensive Leaders – Cathedral Catholic
- Tackles: #15 Samuel Samuela – 10 tackles per game
- Sacks: #15 Samuel Samuela – 1 sack per game
For St. Francis, no leaders are available yet due to their season not having started.
Rankings Snapshot
Cathedral Catholic (2025-26 Season)
- National Ranking: 124
- California Ranking: 17
- Section Ranking: 2
- Division Ranking: 2
- Record: 1-0 overall, 1-0 home, 0-0 away
- Points For (PF): 52
- Points Against (PA): 7
St. Francis (2025-26 Season)
- National Ranking: 9,173
- California Ranking: 625
- Section Ranking: 51
- Record: 0-0 overall, no points scored or allowed
Head-to-Head History
There is no recorded head-to-head history between Cathedral Catholic and St. Francis, which makes this first meeting an intriguing one. Both sides will be writing a new chapter when the ball kicks off under the Friday night lights.
What to Watch For
- Cathedral Catholic’s Balanced Attack
Quarterback Brady Palmer already looks sharp, with 182 passing yards and nearly 200 total yards per game. If he connects consistently with Parker Johnson, St. Francis could face serious pressure in the secondary. Add Honor Faalave’s ground production, and the Sharks will need a disciplined defensive game plan. - St. Francis’ Season Opener Energy
Opening night often brings adrenaline and unpredictability. The Sharks’ ability to channel that into early momentum could determine how long they stay in the fight against a ranked opponent. - Defensive Pressure from the Dons
With Samuel Samuela leading the defense in tackles and sacks, Cathedral Catholic has the ability to disrupt drives early. How St. Francis’ offensive line responds will be key.
Game Outlook
While Cathedral Catholic comes in as the clear favorite based on rankings, stats, and experience, the unpredictability of a season opener makes this matchup compelling. St. Francis will have home support and a chance to pull off a statement win, but they’ll need to execute perfectly against a team already firing on all cylinders.
The Dons will look to build on their 52-point outburst, but sustaining that level of dominance away from home is always a test. If St. Francis can limit big plays and find offensive rhythm early, the Sharks might make this closer than expected.
How to Follow the Action
- In-Person: Purchase tickets through GoFan and head to St. Francis High School on Friday night.
- Online: Stream live on the NFHS Network for full coverage.
- Score Updates: Fans can volunteer as live reporters to keep communities updated on platforms like MaxPreps.
Final Word
The Cathedral Catholic vs St. Francis matchup on August 29 isn’t just another early-season game—it’s a test of one team’s readiness against another’s momentum. Cathedral Catholic brings firepower, rankings, and proven production. St. Francis enters with a clean slate, eager to prove themselves against one of California’s best.
Whichever way it plays out, this game represents everything exciting about high school football in California: tradition, competition, and the unknowns of Friday night lights.
For more coverage of California High School Football, visit CalStampede.
