The 2025 California high school football season is only just beginning, but tonight’s non-conference matchup already carries a big-game feel. Hillcrest vs Santiago is set for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., when the Trojans from Riverside travel to take on the Sharks in Corona. Both squads enter the contest with 1-0 records, and each side is eager to prove it belongs among the stronger programs in the region.
Hillcrest vs Santiago Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Hillcrest vs Santiago
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Live stream: Watch here
Fans can purchase digital tickets through GoFan, and for those who want to follow along in real time, score tracking and live reporting options will be available. With two teams that rely on very different offensive strengths, this game has all the ingredients to be a thriller.
Early Season Momentum
Hillcrest made an emphatic statement in their season opener with a dominant 61-15 win over Corona. The Trojans piled up points early and never let up, putting together an offensive showcase that immediately raised eyebrows around Riverside County. Their balanced production on the ground and in the air proved difficult to stop, and they head into this week brimming with confidence.
Santiago, meanwhile, earned a 31-14 victory on the road, showing grit and composure in their first test of the year. The Sharks leaned heavily on their aerial attack and strong defensive tackling to secure the win, giving head coach and fans alike plenty of optimism heading into their home opener.
Both teams stand at 1-0 overall, but the way they reached that mark sets up an intriguing stylistic battle for tonight’s matchup.
By the Numbers: Hillcrest Trojans
Hillcrest’s offensive identity is clear—fast starts and relentless scoring. In their opener, the Trojans exploded for 21 points in the first quarter and 34 more before halftime, effectively sealing the game early.
- Rushing Attack: Averaging 136 yards per game, Hillcrest leans on #2 Reyez Ortiz, who posted 47 rushing yards in his first outing.
- Passing Game: Quarterback #17 Alexander Villasenor contributed 37 yards through the air, while receiver #11 Nicholas Shaw picked up 31 yards. While the aerial stats don’t jump off the page, they complement the run game effectively.
- Defense: Led by #20 Issah Noor with 9 tackles, the Trojans’ defense recorded 2 sacks in their opener and limited Corona to just 15 points.
In total, Hillcrest averaged 193 offensive yards while holding opponents in check with physical tackling and steady pressure up front. Their formula is simple: run the ball hard, strike quickly, and let the defense close the door.
By the Numbers: Santiago Sharks
Santiago brings a completely different look to the field. The Sharks rely on their passing game to stretch defenses and put points on the board.
- Air Attack: Quarterback #12 Clayton Plewe was electric, throwing for 275 passing yards in the first game. Wideout #1 Ryan Wilson benefited the most, hauling in 106 receiving yards and setting the tone for the offense.
- Ground Game: The run game was less emphasized, with #26 Ivan Rosado managing 27 yards. Still, the Sharks are more than capable of mixing in carries when needed.
- Defensive Standouts: Linebacker #7 Khalil Chancy led with 16 tackles, anchoring a unit that finished with 63 total stops. #18 Max Eldridge contributed a sack, while lineman #71 Isaiah Sandoval delivered two pancake blocks on offense.
The Sharks finished with 346 total yards in their opener, a mark that nearly doubles Hillcrest’s output. However, while Santiago moved the ball consistently, they scored just 31 points—half of what the Trojans managed.
Key Matchup: Ground vs. Air
The biggest storyline for Hillcrest vs Santiago is how contrasting styles will collide. Hillcrest thrives on controlling the ground game, while Santiago’s strength lies in stretching the field vertically.
- If Hillcrest’s front seven can slow Plewe’s passing rhythm, they’ll force the Sharks into uncomfortable situations.
- On the flip side, if Santiago’s defensive backs can limit Ortiz and Shaw, they’ll have a chance to put the game in Plewe’s hands and let him dictate the pace.
This chess match between the trenches and the secondary will likely determine who walks away 2-0.
Common Opponents
So far, only Hillcrest has faced a common opponent—Corona—where they rolled to a 61-15 victory. Santiago is set to face Corona later in the season on October 24. That future matchup will provide a more direct comparison between the two squads, but for now, Hillcrest holds the edge in terms of dominance against shared competition.
Rankings Snapshot
Both programs entered the season in relatively similar positions nationally and in California rankings:
- Hillcrest: National – 6,194 | California – 409 | Section – 176
- Santiago: National – 5,027 | California – 328 | Section – 145
Santiago holds the higher ranking across the board, but Hillcrest’s explosive start suggests they could climb quickly with another convincing win.
Players to Watch
- Hillcrest Trojans
- Reyez Ortiz (#2): The leading rusher who sets the tone for Hillcrest’s offense.
- Alexander Villasenor (#17): Quarterback who contributes in both passing and total yardage.
- Issah Noor (#20): Defensive leader with a team-high 9 tackles.
- Santiago Sharks
- Clayton Plewe (#12): Quarterback and centerpiece of the Sharks’ offensive scheme.
- Ryan Wilson (#1): Big-play receiver with over 100 yards in the opener.
- Khalil Chancy (#7): Defensive standout with 16 tackles, capable of slowing Hillcrest’s rushing game.
What’s at Stake
While it’s only Week 2, tonight’s contest carries plenty of weight. Both teams are looking to establish themselves as legitimate contenders in Southern California high school football.
For Hillcrest, a win would validate their offensive explosion and demonstrate they can succeed against higher-ranked opponents. For Santiago, defending their home field and shutting down a high-scoring rival would be a major confidence boost heading into league play.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which side’s style of play prevails.
How to Follow the Action
Kickoff is set for Thursday, August 28, at 7:30 p.m. at Santiago High School in Corona, CA. Digital tickets are available for purchase through GoFan. Scoretracking will be provided live during the game, with opportunities for local reporters to update fans in real time.
Final Word
The Hillcrest vs Santiago matchup is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing early-season non-conference games in California. With both teams sitting at 1-0, their clash of styles—Hillcrest’s bruising run game against Santiago’s high-powered passing attack—will make for must-watch football.
Whoever can dictate the pace, control possessions, and minimize turnovers will likely emerge victorious. But one thing is certain: both the Trojans and the Sharks are out to prove that they’re more than just one-win teams.
For more coverage on California High School Football, visit CalStampede’s California section.
