The California high school football season continues to heat up as fans turn their attention to an exciting non-conference clash: Centennial vs Santa Margarita. The Centennial Huskies (Corona, CA) head on the road to face the Santa Margarita Eagles (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The matchup will be played at Trabuco Hills High School and promises to be one of the more compelling early-season battles in Southern California football.

Centennial vs Santa Margarita Football Game Info:

What: California High School Football
Who: Centennial vs Santa Margarita
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Live stream: Watch here

Team Records and Rankings

Centennial enters the contest with momentum after a decisive win in their season opener. The Huskies stand at 1-0, ranked 9th nationally and 3rd in California. Their early dominance shows why they continue to be one of the most respected programs in the state.

On the other hand, Santa Margarita begins the season at 0-1 following a tough loss to Mission Viejo. Ranked 21st nationally and 7th in California, the Eagles remain a competitive force but will need to regroup quickly if they want to take down a powerhouse like Centennial.

Scoring Trends

• Centennial Huskies: Averaging 42 points per game after their opening victory over Servite, where they won 42-14.
• Santa Margarita Eagles: Managed just 3 points in their opener, averaging only 3.0 points per game.

The offensive firepower clearly favors Centennial, but early-season adjustments could help Santa Margarita close the gap.

Statistical Breakdown

Centennial Huskies (1-0):

• Rushing Yards/Game: 221.0
• Passing Yards/Game: 330.0
• Total Yards/Game: 551.0
• Tackles/Game: 82.0
• Points/Game: 42.0

Santa Margarita Eagles (0-1):

• Rushing Yards/Game: 94.0
• Passing Yards/Game: 205.0
• Total Yards/Game: 299.0
• Tackles/Game: 38.0
• Points/Game: 3.0

The numbers underline Centennial’s offensive dominance and defensive presence. Santa Margarita will need to significantly improve both their offensive output and defensive stops to keep pace.

Key Players to Watch

Centennial Huskies:

• #1 Zander Lewis (RB): Averaging 86 rushing yards per game, Lewis adds balance to Centennial’s potent attack.
• #8 Dominick Catalano (QB): Posted an impressive 330 passing yards per game, while also leading with 373 total yards per game.
• #2 Keawe Browne (WR): Top target in the passing game with 102 receiving yards per game.
• #6 Jaden Walk-Green (LB): Anchoring the defense at 13 tackles per game.

Santa Margarita Eagles:

• #2 Trace Johnson (QB): The leader of the offense with 205 passing yards per game.
• #1 Jaion Smith (RB): Recorded 56 rushing yards per game, giving balance to the Eagles’ offense.
• #9 Luke Gazzaniga (WR): Primary receiving threat with 67 yards per game.
• #0 Dash Fifita (LB): Defensive standout averaging 6 tackles per game, also a key college prospect with an Arizona commitment.
• #15 Vai Manutai (DE): A force on the defensive line with 1 sack per game.

Video Highlights and Storylines

Both programs have gained attention early this season through highlight reels and player features.

• Centennial has been featured in MaxPreps Top 5 High School Football Plays of Week 1 after their win over Servite. Their explosive offense has already made headlines with over 162,000 views on highlight clips.
• Santa Margarita, despite their loss, showcased individual talent with standout videos, including linebacker Dash Fifita discussing his Arizona commitment and comparisons to NFL-level play. Other players such as Simote Katoanga (DE) and Logan Hirou (S) have also made college commitments, keeping the Eagles in the spotlight for talent development.

Common Opponents Outlook

Centennial already holds a win over Servite (42-14). Santa Margarita will meet Servite later this season on October 3, 2025. That shared opponent will be a good benchmark for comparing progress as the year unfolds.

Game Outlook

The matchup of Centennial vs Santa Margarita presents a battle between a proven offensive powerhouse and a team still searching for consistency.

• For Centennial: The Huskies will aim to maintain their offensive rhythm led by Catalano and Lewis. If they continue their high-output scoring, they could quickly put Santa Margarita under pressure.
• For Santa Margarita: The Eagles must find a way to generate points early. Improving their rushing attack and limiting turnovers will be critical. Defensively, slowing down Catalano’s passing game will be their toughest challenge.

The game will ultimately hinge on whether Santa Margarita can keep pace with Centennial’s explosive offense. If they succeed in controlling possession and making key defensive stops, they could pull off an upset. Otherwise, Centennial may continue to roll with another convincing win.

Final Thoughts

This non-conference battle is more than just a game — it’s a measuring stick for both programs. For Centennial, it’s a chance to reinforce their status as one of California’s elite football teams. For Santa Margarita, it’s an opportunity to bounce back from an early setback and prove they can compete against top-ranked opponents.

Fans can secure digital tickets via GoFan or catch the action live on the NFHS Network. With stars on both sides and programs rich in tradition, this Centennial vs Santa Margarita showdown is set to deliver classic California high school football drama.

For more coverage of California High School Football, check out CalStampede’s California section.