The Westchester (Los Angeles, CA) varsity football team will host Arleta (CA) tonight at 7 p.m. in a non-conference matchup. Both teams are eager to showcase their talent and start the season strong, promising fans an exciting evening of high school football filled with determination, skill, and spirited competition under the lights.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: California High School Football
- Who: Diego Rivera vs Contreras
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Contreras at Diego Rivera Football Preview: 2025 Non-Conference Opener
High school football kicks off in Los Angeles this Friday with a local non-conference showdown between the Diego Rivera Lions and the Contreras Hawks. Scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., Diego Rivera will host the game, providing the Lions with home-field advantage.
Both teams enter the season with 0-0 records and identical historical records of 25-26 overall, making this opener a vital opportunity to set momentum, establish team identity, and gain confidence heading into league play. With nearly identical rankings and similar past performance, this matchup promises to be a closely contested and engaging game for fans and players alike.
Game Overview
-
Matchup: Contreras Hawks (Los Angeles, CA) @ Diego Rivera Lions (Los Angeles, CA)
-
Date & Time: Friday, August 22, 2025, @ 7:00 PM
-
Location: Diego Rivera High School, Los Angeles, CA
-
Type: Non-conference season opener
-
Current Records: Both teams 0-0 (historical 25-26 each)
Rankings Snapshot
Contreras Hawks
-
National Rank: 13,729
-
California Rank: 1,007
-
Section Rank: 63
-
Overall Record: 25-26
-
2025 Record: 0-0
-
PF / PA: 0 / 0
Contreras enters the season as a mid-tier program within California and nationally. Their Section 63 placement indicates competitiveness within their classification, though there is room for improvement. Playing on the road, the Hawks will face the challenge of executing against a Lions team with home-field familiarity. Discipline, fundamentals, and consistency will be critical for success.
Diego Rivera Lions
-
National Rank: 13,710
-
California Rank: 1,005
-
Section Rank: 61
-
Overall Record: 25-26
-
2025 Record: 0-0
-
PF / PA: 0 / 0
Diego Rivera enters the opener with slightly higher rankings both statewide and nationally. Their Section 61 placement suggests they are well-positioned to contend locally. Home-field advantage gives the Lions familiarity, crowd support, and a psychological edge that could prove decisive in a tight matchup.
Historical Context
Both teams have nearly identical historical records and have faced similar levels of competition, though there is no recent head-to-head history between them. This lack of recent encounters adds unpredictability, as both programs must rely on scouting, film study, and preparation to gain an edge.
Season openers are often a test of preparation and discipline. Teams that manage mistakes, execute efficiently, and adjust to in-game conditions typically establish momentum that carries into the first few weeks of league play.
Team Identities
Contreras Hawks
Contreras has traditionally emphasized disciplined and fundamentally sound football. Their offense balances running and passing plays, while the defense prioritizes assignment discipline, containment, and preventing explosive plays.
In this opener, Contreras will need to execute consistently, minimize penalties, and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Their ability to manage the clock, maintain possession, and force errors on defense could be crucial in a game expected to be decided by narrow margins.
Diego Rivera Lions
Diego Rivera relies on athleticism, versatility, and opportunistic playmaking. Offensively, the Lions look to exploit speed and create mismatches, while defensively they aim to pressure the quarterback, force turnovers, and disrupt opposing game plans.
Home-field advantage provides the Lions with a psychological boost, allowing them to establish momentum early. Execution in the red zone and consistent scoring will be key to setting a strong tone for the 2025 season.
Keys to the Game
Contreras’ Keys to Victory
-
Control the Line of Scrimmage: Establishing the run and protecting the quarterback will be crucial against a Lions defense that thrives on pressure and athleticism.
-
Limit Mental Errors: Avoiding turnovers and penalties will help the Hawks remain competitive.
-
Adapt Quickly: On-the-fly adjustments will be necessary to respond to Diego Rivera’s schemes on both sides of the ball.
Diego Rivera’s Keys to Victory
-
Leverage Home Advantage: Crowd energy and field familiarity can help the Lions generate momentum.
-
Exploit Athleticism: Take advantage of speed and playmaking ability to create mismatches and scoring opportunities.
-
Finish Drives: Red-zone efficiency and capitalizing on turnovers could determine the outcome of this close contest.
X-Factors
-
Quarterback Performance: Both teams will rely on their quarterbacks to manage drives, avoid mistakes, and make timely plays.
-
Special Teams: Field position from kickoffs, punts, and returns could influence momentum and scoring opportunities.
-
Conditioning: Late-August heat in Los Angeles may test stamina and endurance, favoring the better-conditioned team.
What’s at Stake
Though a non-conference game, this matchup carries meaningful implications:
-
Contreras: A road win would boost confidence, validate offseason preparation, and provide momentum heading into league play.
-
Diego Rivera: A home win would energize the program, affirm preseason work, and establish a positive trajectory for the season.
Both teams are also aiming to surpass their historical 25-26 record, making this opener particularly significant for morale and program momentum.
Community Atmosphere
Diego Rivera High School is expected to provide an energized environment with students, alumni, parents, and community supporters contributing to a spirited atmosphere.
Contreras will likely bring supporters to the game, adding intensity and providing motivation for both squads. The marching band, cheer squad, and student section are expected to play key roles in energizing the crowd, particularly during critical moments.
Predictions
With home-field advantage, style of play, and slightly higher rankings, Diego Rivera enters the game as a narrow favorite. Contreras has the talent and discipline to remain competitive if they execute effectively.
-
Predicted Score: Diego Rivera 24, Contreras 20
The first half is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams exchanging scoring opportunities. In the second half, Diego Rivera may leverage home-field energy, red-zone efficiency, and playmaking ability to gain a slight edge, while Contreras will need disciplined execution and clock management to stay in contention.
Long-Term Outlook
-
If Contreras Wins: A road victory would provide confidence, validate preparation, and set the tone for the rest of the season.
-
If Diego Rivera Wins: A home win would establish momentum, boost morale, and affirm the team’s readiness for league competition.
Regardless of the result, both programs will gain valuable insight into player performance, team cohesion, and areas that require improvement. Early-season games like this are crucial for shaping team identity and preparing for the challenges ahead.
Conclusion
The Contreras Hawks vs. Diego Rivera Lions matchup captures the excitement and unpredictability of Los Angeles high school football. Both programs share nearly identical historical records and rankings, yet differences in style and home-field advantage create an intriguing dynamic.
Contreras will aim to demonstrate discipline, execution, and resilience on the road, while Diego Rivera seeks to leverage athleticism, versatility, and home support to start the season strong. Fans can expect a competitive, fast-paced, and engaging game under the Friday night lights.
