RIVER RIDGE, LA — In a highly anticipated non-conference showdown that bridges the gap between California power and Louisiana tradition, the Cathedral Phantoms (Los Angeles, CA) are set to take on the John Curtis Christian Patriots (River Ridge, LA) this Friday, September 5th, at 4 PM. This intriguing matchup, hosted at San Juan Hills HS, pits a battle-tested Phantom squad against a Patriot team eager to unveil its 2025 identity.
What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Cathedral vs John Curtis Christian
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Where: San Juan Hills High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
The game promises a compelling contrast in early-season narratives. Cathedral arrives with a 1-1 record, having already faced the fire of live competition and boasting a high-octane passing attack. Meanwhile, the Patriots enter the fray with a pristine 0-0 slate, their potential still a mystery waiting to be solved on the field. For fans of Louisiana high school football, this game serves as a fascinating early barometer for one of the state’s premier programs. All the action for this and other great games can be followed at HS Football Insider’s Louisiana category.
Digital tickets for the Cathedral @ JCCHS game are available for purchase exclusively on GoFan. For those unable to make it to the stadium, the game will be broadcast live via the NFHS Network.
Cathedral Phantoms: Aerial Assault Lands in the Bayou
The Phantoms cross the country carrying a .500 record, but their offensive statistics tell a story of a potent and dynamic unit. Through two games, Cathedral averages a formidable 33.5 points per game, demonstrating an ability to put points on the board in every quarter.
The engine of their offense is unquestionably #3, Jaden Jefferson. The versatile athlete is the team’s undeniable leader, topping the charts in multiple categories. Jefferson averages 61.0 rushing yards per game and has amassed a staggering 275.0 passing yards per contest. His total yardage average of 336.0 yards per game makes him the focal point of the Patriots’ defensive game plan.
When Jefferson takes to the air, his primary target is #4 Jalen Ross, who averages 79.0 receiving yards per game. This connection has propelled the Phantoms to an impressive 275.0 passing yards per game as a team. While the ground game, outside of Jefferson’s efforts, is still finding its footing at 82.0 yards per game, the sheer volume of the passing attack results in a healthy 357.0 total yards per game.
Defensively, Cathedral has shown a bend-but-don’t-break mentality. The unit allows an average of 33.0 points per game. Linebacker #11 Isaiah Greer anchors the defense with 8.0 tackles per game, while #29 George Novoa provides pressure off the edge with 0.5 sacks per game. They will face their toughest test yet against the storied John Curtis program.
John Curtis Christian Patriots: Tradition Meets Unknown Potential
The Patriots begin their 2025 campaign shrouded in the typical excitement and uncertainty of opening night. As a perennial Louisiana powerhouse, ranked 6th in the state and 224th nationally, John Curtis Christian carries a legacy of excellence into every game. However, with zero official statistics for the new season, the specifics of this year’s team remain a compelling question mark.
Head coach J.T. Curtis, a legend in the high school football world, undoubtedly has his squad prepared. The Patriots are renowned for their disciplined, physical brand of football, often featuring a strong rushing attack and a stifling defense. While the names of the new standout players have yet to emerge in the stat sheets, the system at John Curtis consistently produces winners.
The key for the Patriots will be to shake off any early rust quickly. They must find a way to disrupt the rhythm of Cathedral’s Jefferson while establishing their own offensive identity. The Patriots’ defense, which has yet to allow a point, will be severely tested by the Phantoms’ spread-out, pass-heavy scheme. How they respond will likely dictate the flow of the game.
Matchup to Watch: Jefferson vs. The Patriot Defense
The game within the game will be the chess match between Phantom quarterback Jaden Jefferson and the John Curtis defensive coordinators. Jefferson’s dual-threat capability forces defenses to remain honest. If they drop too many into coverage, he can tuck the ball and run. If they spy him or bring pressure, he has the arm talent to find Ross deep.
The Patriots will counter with their trademark defensive discipline. Their linebackers must be adept in coverage and against the run, while the defensive line must generate pressure without sacrificing containment. Slowing down Jefferson is the paramount key to a Patriot victory.
X-Factors and Predictions
For Cathedral, the X-factor could be travel fatigue. Making a cross-country trip and playing in the Louisiana humidity is a challenge unlike any they face in California. How they adjust to the environment and a potentially hostile crowd will be crucial.
For John Curtis Christian, the X-factor is simply first-game execution. Without any live-game action, there is a risk of turnovers, missed assignments, and procedural penalties. The team that minimizes mistakes and settles into the game fastest will gain a significant advantage.
This matchup is a classic case of proven production versus proven pedigree. Cathedral brings a known, explosive offensive weapon. John Curtis brings a history of winning and a defense that is always well-coached.
Expect a high-energy, competitive game. Cathedral’s passing game will likely find some success and put points on the board. However, the discipline and home-field advantage of John Curtis Christian, combined with the potential for early-season miscues from the Phantoms, might prove to be the difference.
Final Score Prediction: John Curtis Christian 31, Cathedral 28
This game is more than just a non-conference tilt; it’s a statement opportunity for both teams. For Cathedral, a win against a national powerhouse on the road would be a program-defining victory. For John Curtis, a strong opening performance against a talented out-of-state opponent sets the tone for another championship-caliber season.
Be sure to secure your digital tickets for Cathedral @ JCCHS on GoFan and tune into the NFHS Network for the live stream. For complete coverage of this game and all the exciting action across the state, keep it locked on HS Football Insider’s Louisiana page.
