The early weeks of the California high school football season always deliver drama, and tonight’s non-conference matchup between the Bernstein Dragons and the Locke Saints promises to be another must-watch battle. Kickoff is set for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7 p.m., with Locke hosting on their home field in Los Angeles. Both teams come in riding the momentum of opening-week victories, setting the stage for a competitive showdown that could shape the trajectory of their seasons.
Bernstein vs Locke Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Bernstein vs Locke
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
For fans following California High School Football, this clash highlights two programs eager to prove themselves in 2025–26. While Bernstein enters with a high-scoring offense, Locke counters with a defense-first approach, making the Bernstein vs Locke matchup one of contrasting styles.
Season Start: Both Programs at 1-0
Bernstein wasted no time making a statement in their opener. Facing Hawkins on August 22, the Dragons exploded offensively, securing a 48-20 win at home. Their offense showed balance, consistently finding ways to put points on the board across all four quarters. The Dragons finished with an impressive 48 points per game average through Week 1, demonstrating that they can stretch the field and put pressure on opposing defenses.
Locke’s Week 1 victory, while less flashy, was equally important. The Saints battled in a defensive struggle, pulling out a 14-12 win on their home field. Unlike Bernstein, Locke relied heavily on grit and resilience, winning a tight contest by controlling the clock late and shutting down their opponent in the closing minutes. That early test of toughness may prove invaluable as they prepare to take on one of the higher-scoring teams in Los Angeles.
Statistical Breakdown: Dragons vs. Saints
Both squads sit at 1-0 overall, but their team profiles are dramatically different.
Bernstein Dragons (1-0)
- National Ranking: 12,783
- California Ranking: 908
- Section Ranking: 41
- Points For (PF): 48
- Points Against (PA): 20
- Scoring Average: 48.0 PPG
Locke Saints (1-0)
- National Ranking: 13,835
- California Ranking: 1,024
- Section Ranking: 63
- Points For (PF): 14
- Points Against (PA): 12
- Scoring Average: 14.0 PPG
The contrast is clear: Bernstein enters as an offensive powerhouse, while Locke has leaned on defense and timely plays to secure wins. Tonight’s contest will ultimately come down to whether Locke can contain Bernstein’s explosive scoring attack.
Head-to-Head History
This year marks the first head-to-head meeting between the Dragons and the Saints. Despite playing in the same region, the programs haven’t crossed paths in recent years, making tonight’s contest a fresh rivalry in the making.
The opportunity to establish bragging rights gives both squads extra motivation. Bernstein will want to prove that their offensive firepower isn’t just a one-week wonder, while Locke will look to show that defense wins games even against elite offensive competition.
Common Opponents
So far this season, the only shared opponent between the two programs is Hawkins. Bernstein already faced Hawkins in Week 1, securing a decisive 48-20 win. Locke, however, won’t meet Hawkins until October 24, 2025.
That gives Bernstein an early benchmark, showcasing their ability to dominate a team that Locke will later encounter. For Locke, tonight’s game is a chance to measure themselves against the standard Bernstein has set.
What to Watch For
1. Can Locke’s Defense Hold?
Locke has allowed just 12 points through one game, but they haven’t faced an opponent as dynamic as Bernstein. If the Saints want to pull off the win, they’ll need to limit explosive plays and force the Dragons into long, grinding drives.
2. Bernstein’s Offensive Tempo
The Dragons average nearly 50 points per game thanks to their aggressive play-calling and ability to score in bunches. If they establish their rhythm early, Locke could find themselves playing catch-up—a position they struggled with in their opener.
3. Home-Field Advantage for Locke
The Saints are at home again, where they’ve built early-season confidence. The energy from the home crowd could help offset Bernstein’s offensive firepower, especially if the game stays tight into the second half.
4. First-Quarter Momentum
Bernstein struck quickly against Hawkins, putting up points in nearly every quarter. Locke, by contrast, did all their scoring late in their opener. Tonight, the first quarter will be critical—if Bernstein gets rolling early, Locke could be in trouble.
Keys to Victory
- Bernstein: Stay aggressive offensively, spread the field, and keep Locke’s defense on its heels. Turnovers must be avoided, as Locke thrives in close, low-scoring battles.
- Locke: Control possession, grind the clock, and slow down the pace of play. The Saints can’t get caught in a shootout; instead, they need to win in the trenches and turn this game into a battle of field position.
Playoff Implications
Though it’s still early in the season, games like Bernstein vs Locke can have ripple effects down the line. Non-conference wins boost rankings and confidence heading into league play. Bernstein already carries the advantage of a decisive victory against Hawkins, while Locke is looking to add a signature win to their résumé.
Both teams are currently tied with 1-0 records, but the team that emerges victorious tonight will gain an inside track toward building a playoff-worthy résumé.
Prediction: Clash of Styles
This matchup has all the makings of a classic contrast—Bernstein’s high-octane offense against Locke’s resilient defense. If the Dragons’ offensive rhythm continues, they may prove too difficult to stop. However, Locke has already shown that they can win tight games, and if they can slow down the tempo, an upset isn’t out of the question.
- Predicted Score: Bernstein 31, Locke 20
Final Thoughts
Thursday night’s showdown between Bernstein vs Locke is more than just an early-season non-conference matchup—it’s a statement game. The Dragons are out to prove they’re one of the most explosive teams in Los Angeles, while the Saints want to show that defensive grit and home-field advantage can still topple a high-powered attack.
Fans of California High School Football won’t want to miss this one. Whether it’s Bernstein’s firepower or Locke’s resilience that shines through, tonight’s game will give a clearer picture of where both programs stand in 2025.
