EL DORADO, CA – September 5, 2025 – Friday night lights return to El Dorado as the Union Mine Diamondbacks (0-2) host the Bear River Bruins (1-1) in a non-conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and fans can secure digital tickets through GoFan for what promises to be a spirited early-season contest.
Bear River vs Union Mine Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Bear River vs Union Mine
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
This clash, marked by contrasting starts to the season, gives Bear River a chance to notch a winning record while Union Mine searches desperately for its first victory.
Setting the Stage
Bear River enters the game with a 1-1 overall record, splitting its first two contests. The Bruins have shown flashes of offensive balance but are still searching for consistency, scoring 41 points while allowing 59.
Union Mine, meanwhile, has stumbled out of the gate. The Diamondbacks are winless at 0-2, scoring just 19 points across their first two games while surrendering 50. The home crowd at El Dorado hopes tonight marks a turning point.
For more updates on matchups across the state, check out California High School Football.
Rankings Snapshot
- Bear River Bruins (Grass Valley, CA):
- National Rank: 8,761
- California Rank: 597
- Section Rank: 87
- Division Rank: 10
- Union Mine Diamondbacks (El Dorado, CA):
- National Rank: 7,732
- California Rank: 519
- Section Rank: 73
- Division Rank: 8
Though Union Mine carries slightly stronger rankings, its record has not lived up to expectations so far. Bear River’s steady start could give the Bruins an edge in this matchup.
Offensive Output: A Tale of Two Teams
Bear River Bruins
The Bruins are averaging 139.5 yards per game, a mix of ground and air production. Their offense flows through:
- Sean Kinney (#32) – 120 rushing yards per game and 120 total yards, making him the offensive heartbeat.
- Jayden Brock (#3) – 88 passing yards per game, offering balance to the offense.
- Ty Cleek (#4) – 54 receiving yards per game, giving Bear River a reliable target downfield.
The Bruins average 20.5 points per game, with steady scoring across all four quarters.
Union Mine Diamondbacks
Union Mine has struggled offensively, producing just 52 total yards per game. The running game has been non-existent, averaging -3.5 rushing yards per game, leaving the passing attack as the lone source of production.
Key contributors include:
- Nathan Gregson (#3) – 111 passing yards per game, also contributing 100 total yards.
- Max Nober (#10) – 59 receiving yards per game, giving the Diamondbacks their best big-play option.
- Brandon Crow (#4) – just 5 rushing yards per game, highlighting the team’s rushing woes.
Union Mine averages 9.5 points per game, most of which come in the second half as the team tries to rally late.
Common Opponents
The only shared opponent between the two programs so far is Wheatland.
- Union Mine faced Wheatland on August 29 and lost a close one, 12-8.
- Bear River will meet Wheatland later this season on September 19, so Friday night’s result could give some insight into how the Bruins might fare in that matchup.
What the Numbers Say
| Category | Bear River | Union Mine |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 95.5 | -3.5 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 44.0 | 55.5 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | 27.0 | 43.0 |
| Total Yards/Game | 139.5 | 52.0 |
| Points/Game | 20.5 | 9.5 |
| Points Allowed | 59 | 50 |
Bear River holds a clear statistical advantage, particularly on the ground, where Union Mine has yet to find footing.
Recent Highlights
- Bear River: Their August 29 matchup against Tahoe Truckee provided strong highlights, with the Bruins showcasing explosive runs and key passing plays.
- Union Mine: The Diamondbacks’ August 29 game against Wheatland highlighted their resilience, though offensive struggles ultimately cost them the win.
Both teams have video highlights available, offering fans a chance to review performances leading into tonight’s game.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Can Union Mine find a running game?
The Diamondbacks’ rushing struggles have crippled their offensive rhythm. Without improvement on the ground, Bear River’s defense could lock down their passing attack. - Will Bear River establish control early?
The Bruins have averaged steady points in every quarter, while Union Mine typically starts slow. An early surge from Bear River could put the Diamondbacks in a tough spot. - Quarterback Duel: Brock vs. Gregson
Both teams lean heavily on their quarterbacks. Bear River’s Jayden Brock and Union Mine’s Nathan Gregson will be crucial to dictating tempo. - Defensive Adjustments
Bear River has surrendered nearly 30 points per game, while Union Mine allows 25. Whichever defense can force turnovers or key stops will shape the outcome.
Record Breakdown
- Bear River Bruins (1-1)
- Non-League: 1-1
- Home: 0-0
- Away: 1-1
- Playoffs: 0-0
- Union Mine Diamondbacks (0-2)
- Non-League: 0-2
- Home: 0-0
- Away: 0-2
- Playoffs: 0-0
Neither team has yet played a league contest, so tonight’s matchup is crucial for building confidence ahead of conference play.
Atmosphere and Fan Involvement
The Union Mine community will look to rally around its team at home. Fans can purchase digital tickets via GoFan, ensuring smooth entry and a packed stadium environment. Local supporters know this game could be a turning point in the Diamondbacks’ season.
Meanwhile, Bear River will bring confidence from its road win earlier this season, showing they can handle tough environments. The Bruins’ traveling fans will be eager to see if their team can notch another victory away from Grass Valley.
Final Thoughts
The Bear River vs Union Mine matchup highlights the challenges and opportunities of early-season high school football. The Bruins enter with more momentum and a balanced offense led by Sean Kinney’s ground game. The Diamondbacks, despite a tough start, will lean on quarterback Nathan Gregson and receiver Max Nober to spark their offense.
If Bear River establishes the run game and strikes early, they could take control. But if Union Mine’s defense steps up and the passing game finds rhythm, the Diamondbacks may finally earn their first win of 2025.
Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. tonight in El Dorado. Fans who can’t attend should follow updates from scoretracker providers and team reporters for live coverage.
For more coverage and updates on high school football across the state, visit California High School Football.
