The Canoga Park vs Hollywood high school football matchup is set to kick off Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. in Los Angeles. This non-conference game features two Los Angeles programs eager to make their mark in the early stages of the California high school football season.
Canoga Park vs Hollywood Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Canoga Park vs Hollywood
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
The Hollywood Sheiks enter the contest looking to open their 2025-26 campaign with a statement win at home. Meanwhile, the Canoga Park Hunters are already riding momentum after a dominant opening victory and want to keep their perfect start alive. With both teams hungry to establish themselves, this clash promises to deliver a physical, high-energy battle under the lights.
Canoga Park Hunters: Building Off Strong Start
The Hunters come into the game with a 1-0 record, thanks to a 20-0 shutout victory in their season opener. Canoga Park demonstrated balance on both sides of the ball, executing offensively while shutting down their opponent’s attack.
Their scoring distribution in the opener highlighted a consistent offense. The Hunters tallied seven points in the first quarter, six in the second, and seven more in the third, before coasting with a comfortable lead. That early scoring cushion allowed the defense to dictate the rest of the night.
Statistically, Canoga Park’s early performance speaks volumes:
- Overall Record: 1-0
- Points For (PF): 20
- Points Against (PA): 0
- Win Percentage: 1.000
The Hunters also currently rank 13,450 nationally and 978 in California, holding a mid-tier position but with plenty of room to climb if they continue winning.
Hollywood Sheiks: Season Debut Spotlight
For Hollywood, Thursday’s matchup marks their first official game of the 2025-26 season. The Sheiks enter with a fresh slate and the opportunity to start strong in front of their home fans.
Although the Sheiks don’t yet have statistics for the season, their 13,634 national rank and 1,002 California rank indicate that they’ll need to make early statements to move up the standings. Facing a team like Canoga Park—already battle-tested with one win—gives Hollywood a chance to test themselves immediately against a confident opponent.
With no points scored or allowed yet, the Sheiks are a true wildcard heading into the opener. The unknown factor could work in their favor, as Canoga Park won’t have recent film or tendencies to study. That unpredictability could allow Hollywood to surprise the Hunters with new formations or standout performances from rising athletes.
Matchup Breakdown: Canoga Park vs Hollywood
When analyzing the Canoga Park vs Hollywood showdown, a few key factors stand out:
- Momentum vs. Fresh Legs
- Canoga Park already has live-game experience and carries momentum from a shutout win.
- Hollywood, however, enters fresh and motivated, with no wear-and-tear from a first game.
- Offense vs. Defense
- The Hunters’ ability to score in multiple quarters suggests a steady offense capable of sustaining drives.
- Hollywood’s defensive unit will be tested immediately as they face an opponent who just put up 20 points and pitched a shutout.
- Early Season Rankings
- Neither team sits in the top tier of California rankings yet, but this matchup offers both a chance to climb the ladder.
- With non-league games being critical for momentum, a win here could set the tone for both programs’ playoff hopes.
Head-to-Head History
Interestingly, this is the first meeting in recent seasons between Canoga Park and Hollywood. With no prior head-to-head record, the game offers a clean slate for both sides.
- Head-to-Head Record: 0-0
- League Record: Both teams at 0-0
- Non-League Record: Canoga Park (1-0), Hollywood (0-0)
The lack of familiarity could make this game even more unpredictable, as each team looks to out-execute the other without much scouting history to rely on.
What to Watch
Canoga Park’s Offense
The Hunters showed in their opener that they can score early and often. If their quarterback and running backs can repeat that rhythm, Hollywood’s defense could find itself on its heels quickly. The Hunters’ offensive line will be a key unit to watch, as establishing dominance up front will allow them to control the tempo.
Hollywood’s Debut Energy
The Sheiks’ season opener is always a big deal, especially at home. Look for Hollywood to lean on emotional energy and crowd support. If their defense can make early stops, they can build momentum that carries throughout the night. Offensively, a quick strike or long drive for points would send a message that they’re not easing into the season—they’re coming out swinging.
Defensive Battle Potential
Canoga Park already boasts a shutout performance, and if their defense remains locked in, Hollywood could struggle to move the chains. On the other hand, the Sheiks’ defensive unit will aim to spoil the Hunters’ offensive confidence early. If both defenses set the tone, this could turn into a low-scoring grind.
X-Factors
- Special Teams: Early-season games often hinge on field position and special teams execution. A blocked punt, big return, or clutch field goal could swing momentum.
- Turnovers: The Hunters protected the ball well in their opener, but Hollywood’s defense will look to force takeaways. Whoever wins the turnover battle will likely control the game.
- Coaching Adjustments: With little scouting material on Hollywood, Canoga Park’s coaching staff must adjust on the fly. Hollywood, meanwhile, will need to find ways to counter a Hunters team already in mid-season rhythm.
Predictions
The Canoga Park Hunters enter with confidence, rhythm, and a defense that has already proven itself. Hollywood, however, carries the element of surprise and the energy of opening night at home.
If Canoga Park continues to spread the ball around and keep its defense stout, the Hunters should have the upper hand. But if Hollywood capitalizes on early momentum and forces a turnover or two, they could flip the script.
Projected Score:
- Canoga Park 21, Hollywood 14
Expect a close, competitive game that stays undecided until the fourth quarter.
Final Thoughts
The Canoga Park vs Hollywood matchup is more than just an early-season non-league game. It’s a chance for the Hunters to prove their strong start wasn’t a fluke, and for the Sheiks to announce their arrival in the 2025-26 California high school football season.
Both programs want momentum as league play approaches, making Thursday night’s game a critical measuring stick. Whether it turns into a defensive slugfest or an offensive showcase, this showdown will play a role in shaping the narrative for both teams this year.
Fans across Los Angeles should expect fireworks, intensity, and plenty of drama under the lights.
For more updates, scores, and coverage of California High School Football, visit HS Football Insider.
