Friday night lights return in Merced as the Stone Ridge Christian Knights welcome the Chowchilla Tribe for a highly anticipated non-conference showdown. Kickoff is set for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m., and fans from both communities are eager to see how these Central California teams will measure up against one another.
Chowchilla vs Stone Ridge Christian Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Chowchilla vs Stone Ridge Christian
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
For more coverage of high school football across the state, visit our California High School Football section.
Team Overview
Chowchilla Tribe (1-1 Overall)
The Chowchilla Tribe enters this matchup sitting at .500 after splitting their first two games. Their season began with a strong home win, but they stumbled on the road in their second outing. Through two games, the Tribe have scored 24 points while allowing 45 points, showing flashes of potential but also signs that adjustments are needed on defense.
Ranked 594th in California and 68th in their section, Chowchilla will look to use this matchup as a proving ground against a program that has built steady momentum.
Stone Ridge Christian Knights (2-0 Overall)
On the other sideline, the Stone Ridge Christian Knights are off to a perfect start. Sitting at 2-0, they’ve won both at home and on the road, and their offense has been clicking at a high level. In just two games, they’ve racked up 85 points while allowing 38, proving they can score in bunches while keeping opponents under control.
Currently ranked 449th in California and 64th in their section, the Knights have already established themselves as a dangerous squad early in the season. Their dominance has been particularly evident in the first three quarters of play, where their average scoring has far outpaced their opponents.
Scoring Trends
A look at the quarter-by-quarter scoring averages shows a clear contrast between these two programs:
- Chowchilla Tribe
- 1st Quarter: 6.0 points
- 2nd Quarter: 2.0 points
- 3rd Quarter: 0.0 points
- 4th Quarter: 9.0 points
- Average Final Score: 12.0 points
- Stone Ridge Christian Knights
- 1st Quarter: 15.0 points
- 2nd Quarter: 21.0 points
- 3rd Quarter: 14.0 points
- 4th Quarter: 0.0 points
- Average Final Score: 42.5 points
The data reveals that Stone Ridge Christian tends to build massive leads early, scoring heavily in the first half, while Chowchilla relies more on late-game rallies. This contrast could define the pace of Friday’s matchup.
Statistical Comparison
Both teams bring different strengths to the field.
Chowchilla Tribe
- Rushing Yards/Game: 140.0
- Passing Yards/Game: 66.0
- Receiving Yards/Game: 66.0
- Total Yards/Game: 206.0
- Tackles/Game: 51.0
- Sacks/Game: 0.5
Stone Ridge Christian Knights
- Rushing Yards/Game: 117.0
- Passing Yards/Game: 112.0
- Receiving Yards/Game: 121.5
- Total Yards/Game: 229.0
- Tackles/Game: 33.5
- Sacks/Game: 1.0
Chowchilla has leaned on its ground attack to control tempo, averaging 140 rushing yards per contest. However, their passing production lags behind. Stone Ridge Christian shows more balance, splitting their offensive production between both passing and rushing while edging out Chowchilla in total yards.
Defensively, Chowchilla has recorded more tackles per game, but the Knights create more backfield pressure with a higher sack average.
Key Players to Watch
Chowchilla Tribe
- Nathan Fuentes (#9) – 66 rushing yards per game. The go-to option on the ground who will be vital in establishing time of possession.
- Tristan Beardsley (#8) – 66 passing yards per game, also leading the Tribe with 87 total yards per game. His dual role as passer and playmaker keeps Chowchilla’s offense moving.
- Isaak Barbosa (#4) – Top target in the passing game with 20 receiving yards per contest.
- Miguel Gomez (#52) – Anchoring the defense with 8 tackles per game.
- Christian Elias (#11) – Provides defensive pressure, averaging 0.5 sacks per game.
Stone Ridge Christian Knights
- Daijon Oneil (#1) – A workhorse running back averaging 100 rushing yards per game, putting him well above the national average.
- Marcus Gray (#4) – Offensive standout with 224 passing yards per game and 266 total yards per game, making him the centerpiece of the Knights’ attack.
- Tucker Bertuccio (#2) – Explosive receiving threat averaging 80 yards per game, giving Gray a reliable deep target.
- TJ Mathews (#18) – Defensive leader with 10 tackles per game, playing a pivotal role in stopping opposing drives.
- Christian Means (#72) – Brings pressure up front with 1.0 sacks per game, disrupting offenses at the line of scrimmage.
Matchup History
This will be the first recorded meeting between Chowchilla and Stone Ridge Christian. With no head-to-head history to fall back on, both programs enter uncharted territory.
Stone Ridge Christian does, however, hold a 2-0 record against non-league opponents this season, while Chowchilla is 1-1 in non-league play.
What’s at Stake
For Chowchilla, this game is an opportunity to bounce back after their recent loss and prove they can compete against higher-ranked programs. A victory on the road would not only give them momentum but also build confidence as league play approaches.
For Stone Ridge Christian, staying undefeated is the mission. A 3-0 start would solidify their place as a rising power in the Central Section and set the tone for the rest of their season.
X-Factors
- Chowchilla’s Running Game: If the Tribe can establish Fuentes early and control possession, they could keep Stone Ridge Christian’s high-powered offense off the field.
- Stone Ridge Christian’s Passing Attack: With Marcus Gray at the helm and Bertuccio stretching defenses, the Knights’ aerial game could overwhelm Chowchilla’s secondary.
- Defensive Execution: The Tribe record more tackles overall, but Stone Ridge Christian has shown more disruptive play up front. Whoever wins the battle in the trenches may decide the outcome.
Final Thoughts
The Chowchilla vs Stone Ridge Christian matchup is shaping up to be an exciting non-conference test. On paper, the Knights’ explosive offense and balanced attack give them the edge. However, the Tribe’s grit, strong tackling, and ground game could keep things closer than expected if they find success in the trenches.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday in Merced, and fans can expect a spirited clash as both teams aim to build momentum heading deeper into the season.
For continued updates and statewide coverage, check out California High School Football.
