When Bernstein vs Mendez hits the field on Friday, September 5, 2025, fans in Los Angeles will get a clash of two teams traveling in very different directions. The Dragons of Bernstein (Hollywood, CA) bring a perfect 2-0 record into this early-season conference matchup, while the Mendez Jaguars (Los Angeles, CA) are still searching for their first win of the year at 0-2. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Mendez High School, and digital tickets are available through GoFan.
Bernstein vs Mendez Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Bernstein vs Mendez
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
This matchup may not carry state-level implications just yet, but for both programs, it’s a defining moment: Bernstein wants to stay unbeaten and establish dominance in conference play, while Mendez desperately needs a spark to turn its season around.
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Bernstein’s Hot Start
The Dragons have come out of the gate firing. Sitting at 2-0, Bernstein has already outscored its opponents by a combined 86-32, averaging a remarkable 43 points per game. That level of production is a sign of balance across all four quarters, and it has made them one of the early surprises in their section.
Looking at the broader picture, Bernstein’s national ranking sits at 12,825, with a 910 state rank and 41st in their section. While those numbers may not put them in elite territory yet, the Dragons are clearly trending upward.
What’s more impressive is their efficiency. Bernstein hasn’t just won — they’ve done it home and away, going 1-0 in both scenarios. With a perfect record in non-league play, this upcoming conference game is their chance to set the tone for the rest of the season.
Mendez Searching for Answers
For Mendez, the story is the opposite. The Jaguars have started the year 0-2, scoring just 22 total points across two games while surrendering 71. Their offense averages only 11 points per game, with most of that production coming in the first and fourth quarters. Meanwhile, their defense hasn’t been able to hold back opposing attacks.
Ranked 14,098 nationally, 1,058 in California, and 69th in their section, Mendez has a long road ahead if they want to turn this campaign around. Their home field hasn’t been a fortress either — with an 0-1 record in front of their own fans.
Still, early-season struggles don’t define an entire year. A strong showing against a hot Bernstein team could flip the momentum and help the Jaguars reset before the heart of their conference schedule.
Team Comparisons
Here’s how the numbers stack up heading into Friday’s showdown:
Scoring Averages
- Bernstein: 43.0 points per game
- Mendez: 11.0 points per game
Defensive Performance
- Mendez: 42.0 tackles per game (team average)
- Bernstein: Individual leaders stand out but no team-wide stat provided
Sack Leaders
- Francisco Valdez (Mendez, #79): 0.5 sacks per game
- Bernstein’s top edge rusher: also 0.5 sacks per game
Points Per Game Leaders
- Carmello Colon (Bernstein, #0): 3.0 points per game
- Mendez’s leader averages 4.6 points per game, slightly above the national average
While Mendez does have some bright spots in individual performances, Bernstein’s offensive firepower gives them a considerable edge.
Head-to-Head History
Interestingly, this will be the first recorded matchup between Bernstein and Mendez. With no direct history to draw from, Friday night offers both programs the chance to set the tone for future meetings.
Common Opponents
Both teams share common opponents later in the season, including Hollywood, Contreras, Roybal, and Belmont. However, neither squad has faced those schools yet in 2025. Their results in those matchups may tell us more about how they measure up against each other, but for now, this game serves as the initial indicator.
Record Breakdown
Bernstein (2-0)
- Overall: 2-0
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 2-0
- Home: 1-0
- Away: 1-0
- Playoffs: 0-0
- Points For (PF): 86
- Points Against (PA): 32
Mendez (0-2)
- Overall: 0-2
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 0-2
- Home: 0-1
- Away: 0-1
- Playoffs: 0-0
- Points For (PF): 22
- Points Against (PA): 71
These numbers tell a clear story: Bernstein is entering with momentum, while Mendez is still looking for stability.
What to Watch For
- Bernstein’s Explosive Offense
Can the Dragons keep up their torrid scoring pace of 43 points per game? If they strike early, this contest could tilt heavily in their favor before halftime. - Mendez’s Defense Under Pressure
The Jaguars have allowed an average of 35.5 points in their first two games. Slowing down Bernstein’s high-octane attack will be critical. - Individual Standouts
- Bernstein’s Carmello Colon has been steady in scoring contributions.
- Mendez’s Francisco Valdez provides pressure up front with 0.5 sacks per game.
- Anthony Mack (#5, Bernstein) stands out with 7 tackles per game, a defensive anchor worth watching.
- Momentum Factor
For Bernstein, this is about building on a dream start. For Mendez, it’s about proving they can rise when tested.
The Stakes
While it’s still early in the season, conference games carry extra weight. A win here could push Bernstein toward a strong playoff bid, while Mendez needs to avoid falling further behind. With both teams facing the same set of opponents down the road, this head-to-head clash could influence standings and tiebreakers later in the year.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Bernstein vs Mendez game is a tale of contrast: a confident, undefeated Dragons squad against a hungry Jaguars team desperate to get on track. Friday night football in Los Angeles rarely disappoints, and this matchup should be no different.
Fans who can’t make it to the stadium will want to follow live updates, but for those in the area, securing tickets through GoFan and experiencing the atmosphere in person is the best way to witness what could be a turning point for both teams.
No matter the outcome, September 5 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in this emerging rivalry.
Check out more California High School Football coverage here.
