Riverside football fans are in for a treat this Friday as two local rivals clash under the lights. The Ramona Rams (1-0) will host the Arlington Lions (0-1) in a non-conference matchup on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. The game promises intensity, pride, and a chance for both teams to make an early statement in the season.
Arlington vs Ramona Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Arlington vs Ramona
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
Both programs enter the contest with very different starts to their 2025 campaigns. Arlington is still searching for its first win after a difficult opening, while Ramona began the season in dominant fashion. With both teams sharing the Riverside stage, this head-to-head meeting carries extra weight for players, coaches, and supporters.
Arlington Lions: Searching for Momentum
The Arlington Lions come into this matchup holding an overall record of 0-1. Their season opener ended in a 38-6 defeat, leaving them eager to rebound. While the scoreboard didn’t favor them, the Lions showed glimpses of potential—particularly in their ground game.
Running back Isaac Del Toro (#32) was a bright spot, rushing for 167 yards in the opener. Del Toro accounted for nearly all of Arlington’s offensive production, also recording 27 receiving yards and a total of 194 yards from scrimmage. His performance keeps the Lions competitive even when other areas of the offense are still finding rhythm.
Quarterback Daniel Rogers (#7) added 22 passing yards, but the aerial attack remains a work in progress. With only 27 receiving yards per game, Arlington’s offense has leaned heavily on the run. That strategy might continue against a Ramona defense that already looked tough in its opener.
Defensively, Arlington is still searching for identity. Tackling numbers weren’t recorded in detail, but giving up 38 points in their first outing shows there’s work to be done. Discipline and stopping explosive plays will be critical if the Lions want to stay competitive on the road.
Ramona Rams: Building on a Strong Start
The Ramona Rams opened their season with a statement victory, shutting out their opponent 26-0. That win not only boosted their record to 1-0 but also highlighted balance on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, Ramona found success both on the ground and through the air. Lorenzo Sims (#0) led the charge with 174 rushing yards, showcasing speed and power. He also piled up 184 total yards, making him the centerpiece of the Rams’ offense.
Quarterback Jesus Gonzalez (#2) managed the passing game efficiently, throwing for 106 yards. His favorite target, Isaac Mata (#1), contributed 68 receiving yards, keeping defenses honest and complementing the running attack.
Ramona’s defense set the tone in their opener. Linebacker Troy Long (#11) led the unit with 11 tackles and 1 sack, anchoring a defense that posted 63 total tackles and 4 sacks as a team. That level of defensive dominance will test Arlington’s ability to move the ball.
Head-to-Head and Rivalry Context
Despite both teams being located in Riverside, this Arlington vs Ramona matchup hasn’t produced many recent head-to-head results. According to available records, the two sides haven’t yet faced off in official competition during the 2025 season. That adds an element of unpredictability to Friday’s contest.
Neither program has a common opponent so far, though both will later cross paths with Hillcrest and Poly in the season. These future games might serve as benchmarks, but for now, both squads remain focused on their own preparation.
Team Comparisons: Arlington vs Ramona
Looking at early season numbers, the contrast between the Lions and Rams is clear:
| Category | Arlington | Ramona |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 0-1 | 1-0 |
| Points For (PF) | 6 | 26 |
| Points Against (PA) | 38 | 0 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 210.0 | 242.0 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 27.0 | 106.0 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | 27.0 | 98.0 |
| Total Yards/Game | 237.0 | 348.0 |
The Rams have the statistical edge in nearly every category, especially defensively. Arlington’s ability to lean on its rushing attack keeps them competitive, but Ramona’s balance suggests they’ll enter Friday as the favorites.
Key Players to Watch
- Arlington Lions
- Isaac Del Toro (RB/WR, #32): The offensive workhorse. His ability to create yards on the ground and in the air will be crucial.
- Daniel Rogers (QB, #7): Needs to establish a passing rhythm to keep Ramona’s defense honest.
- Ramona Rams
- Lorenzo Sims (RB, #0): The offensive centerpiece with 174 rushing yards already under his belt.
- Jesus Gonzalez (QB, #2): Brings balance with 106 passing yards in the opener.
- Isaac Mata (WR, #1): A reliable target who stretches defenses.
- Troy Long (LB, #11): Defensive anchor who sets the tone with tackles and pressure.
What Each Team Needs to Do
Arlington’s Keys to the Game
- Establish the Run Early: Del Toro’s production is their best weapon. A strong running game could shorten the clock and keep Ramona’s offense off the field.
- Limit Defensive Breakdowns: The Lions can’t afford to give up big plays, especially with Ramona’s balanced attack.
- Find Passing Consistency: Even modest passing gains will be important to prevent Ramona from loading the box against the run.
Ramona’s Keys to the Game
- Keep Offensive Balance: Sims’ rushing attack sets the tone, but Gonzalez and Mata add necessary balance.
- Dominate the Line of Scrimmage: Both offensively and defensively, controlling the trenches could tilt the game.
- Defensive Intensity: Building on the Week 1 shutout will keep Arlington on its heels.
Ticket Information
Fans who plan to attend the Arlington vs Ramona game can purchase digital tickets through GoFan. With a 7 p.m. kickoff scheduled, fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid delays and soak in the Friday night football atmosphere.
Rankings Snapshot
- Arlington Lions
- National Rank: 10,367
- California Rank: 710
- Section Rank: 271
- Ramona Rams
- National Rank: 2,659
- California Rank: 204
- Section Rank: 97
The Rams’ higher rankings reflect their stronger start, but early season rankings often shift quickly depending on weekly results.
The Bigger Picture
While this non-conference game won’t directly impact league standings, it carries significance for both programs. Arlington is looking to build confidence after a rocky start, while Ramona hopes to keep momentum rolling. For the players, it’s also about local pride—representing Riverside in front of friends, family, and community supporters.
The matchup also provides a chance for standout athletes to gain attention on a larger stage. Whether it’s Del Toro’s hard running, Sims’ explosive speed, or Long’s defensive leadership, individual performances in games like these often shape reputations for the rest of the season.
Final Thoughts
The Arlington vs Ramona clash is more than just another Friday night game—it’s a test of resilience for the Lions and an opportunity for the Rams to cement their status as early contenders. Arlington will need a near-perfect effort to keep pace with Ramona’s balance, but high school football has a way of delivering surprises.
For fans of California High School Football, this matchup is one to watch closely. The lights will be bright, the stands full, and Riverside’s football community will be buzzing as Arlington and Ramona take the field.
