The Central East (Fresno, CA) varsity football team is set to host Inglewood (CA) tonight at 7 p.m. in a non-conference matchup. Fans can look forward to an exciting evening of high school football, with both teams showcasing determination, skill, and competitive spirit under the Friday night lights.

Here’s what you need to know:

• What: California High School Football
• Who: Central East vs Inglewood
• When: Friday, August 22, 2025
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Inglewood Travels to Central East for Season-Opening Non-Conference Clash

High school football fans in California are gearing up for a compelling matchup this Friday, August 22, as the Inglewood High School Sentinels travel to face the Central East High School Bengals in Fresno. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and the game marks a pivotal non-conference opening for both programs as they look to establish early-season momentum.

The contest features two programs from vastly different regions of California, providing an intriguing contrast in playing style, talent, and team philosophy. Inglewood, ranked 286th nationally, will bring a high-powered offensive approach, while Central East, with a national rank of 127, will rely on home-field advantage and a strong defensive identity to control the pace of the game.

Game Overview

• Matchup: Inglewood (CA) @ Central East (Fresno, CA)

• Date & Time: Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM

• Type: Non-conference game

• Historical Records: Inglewood 25-26 | Central East 25-26

• 2025 Season Records: Inglewood 0-1 | Central East 0-0

For Inglewood, this represents a chance to rebound after a narrow opening-week loss, while Central East is set to kick off their season fresh, aiming to assert dominance early and send a message to league opponents.

Team Profiles

Inglewood High School

• National Rank: 286

• California Rank: 43

• Section Rank: 26

• Section Division: 10

Inglewood comes into the matchup with a high-powered offense, averaging 405 total yards per game in its first contest despite the loss. The Sentinels have shown a tendency to mix a dynamic passing attack with a potent rushing attack, aiming to keep defenses off balance.

Offense:

• Quarterback Lincoln Jahn (#11) is central to Inglewood’s game plan, having thrown for 231 yards in the opening game. Jahn also contributes to overall offensive efficiency with a total of 252 yards per game.

• Running back Semaj Welch (#4) provides a strong ground game, averaging 127 rushing yards per game, capable of breaking big plays and sustaining long drives.

• Receiver Donovin Randolph (#9) has emerged as a deep threat, tallying 112 receiving yards per game and forcing defenses to respect the vertical passing attack.

Defense:

• Defensively, Inglewood is anchored by Jordan Williams (#18), who averages 12 tackles per game, providing leadership and stability at the linebacker position.

• Andre Nickerson (#1) contributes with both sacks and pancake blocks, a versatile player impacting both sides of the ball.

Inglewood’s challenge will be to translate its offensive efficiency into scoring against Central East’s formidable defensive front, while minimizing mistakes in a hostile away environment.

Central East High School

• National Rank: 127

• California Rank: 19

• Section Rank: 1

Central East, playing at home, enters the season with a clean slate and a highly ranked profile. Known for discipline, physicality, and strategic execution, the Bengals aim to leverage their defensive prowess and running game to control the game tempo.

Offense:

• While Central East’s statistical leaders are not yet established for the 2025 season, the Bengals have historically relied on ball control, explosive runs, and short-to-intermediate passing to sustain drives.

• Home-field advantage at Fresno is expected to give them confidence in executing their game plan.

Defense:

• Central East boasts a stout defensive line and disciplined secondary, ready to contain Inglewood’s rushing attack and challenge quarterback Lincoln Jahn.

• Key defensive objectives include forcing turnovers, controlling the line of scrimmage, and limiting explosive plays that could shift momentum.

Key Matchup Factors

1. Quarterback vs. Defensive Front: Lincoln Jahn’s ability to navigate Central East’s defensive front will be a critical determinant of Inglewood’s success.

2. Running Game Control: Semaj Welch’s rushing production versus the Bengals’ defensive line will set the tone for time-of-possession battles.

3. Turnover Margin: In early-season matchups, turnovers often dictate outcomes; ball security and opportunistic defense could swing the game.

4. Home-Field Advantage: Central East will look to capitalize on the crowd and familiarity with the field to apply pressure on Inglewood.

5. Coaching Adjustments: In-game adaptability by both staffs will be crucial, especially against an opponent with contrasting playing styles.

Statistical Overview