The spotlight of California High School Football turns to Rancho Santa Margarita this Thursday, August 28, 2025, when the Centennial Huskies (Corona, CA) visit the Santa Margarita Eagles (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Trabuco Hills High School, with digital tickets available through GoFan and live streaming coverage on the NFHS Network.
For fans of California high school football events, this matchup is another showcase of two perennial contenders trying to position themselves early in the season. Click here for more California High School Football coverage.
Setting the Stage
Centennial enters Week 2 with momentum after a dominant opening win against Servite, cruising to a 42–14 victory. The Huskies showed why they are ranked No. 12 nationally and No. 3 in California, displaying balance on both sides of the ball.
Santa Margarita, on the other hand, is searching for its first win of the season. The Eagles dropped their opener to Mission Viejo, scoring only three points in a 7–3 defensive slugfest. Despite the setback, Santa Margarita still holds a No. 16 national ranking and No. 5 spot in the state, proof of the program’s strong reputation.
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Key Game Information
- Matchup: Centennial Huskies (1-0) vs. Santa Margarita Eagles (0-1)
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. PT
- Location: Trabuco Hills High School, Mission Viejo, CA
- Tickets: Available via GoFan
- Live Stream: NFHS Network
Rankings & Records
Both teams enter with high national recognition:
Centennial Huskies (1-0)
- National Rank: No. 12
- California Rank: No. 3
- Section/Division Rank: No. 3
- Points For: 42
- Points Allowed: 14
- Win Percentage: 1.000
Santa Margarita Eagles (0-1)
- National Rank: No. 16
- California Rank: No. 5
- Section/Division Rank: No. 5
- Points For: 3
- Points Allowed: 7
- Win Percentage: .000
Offensive Breakdown
Centennial displayed an explosive offense in its opener, racking up 551 total yards against Servite. Quarterback Dominick Catalano was the star, throwing for 330 passing yards and accounting for 373 total yards. His favorite target, Keawe Browne, led all receivers with 102 yards. On the ground, running back Zander Lewis contributed 86 rushing yards, keeping defenses honest.
Santa Margarita, in contrast, struggled to generate rhythm offensively against Mission Viejo, finishing with just three points. Still, quarterback Trace Johnson showed flashes of potential with 205 passing yards, connecting with Luke Gazzaniga for 67 yards. Running back Jaion Smith added 56 rushing yards, though the ground game remains a concern heading into this week.
Team Offense Comparison:
- Centennial: 221 rushing YPG, 330 passing YPG, 551 total YPG
- Santa Margarita: 94 rushing YPG, 205 passing YPG, 299 total YPG
The statistical gap is significant, and if Santa Margarita wants to compete, it must find more balance and efficiency on offense.
Defensive Matchup
Defensively, Centennial impressed by holding Servite to just 14 points. Linebacker Jonathan McKinley II paced the Huskies with six tackles, and the unit’s 65 total tackles highlighted its aggressive pursuit.
Santa Margarita’s defense kept them competitive in their opener, surrendering only seven points despite offensive struggles. Linebacker Dash Fifita matched McKinley with six tackles, while defensive lineman Vai Manutai contributed a sack. For the Eagles, limiting Centennial’s big plays will be the key to staying in the game.
Team Defense Comparison:
- Centennial: 65 tackles per game
- Santa Margarita: 38 tackles per game, 2 sacks per game
Special Teams & Intangibles
In low-scoring games, special teams often prove decisive. Santa Margarita’s kicker Tyler Wiegand provided their only points last week with a field goal. Centennial hasn’t yet been tested in this phase, but consistency in the kicking game could become crucial in tight matchups later this season.
Another intangible is game location. Although this is officially a Santa Margarita home game, it will be played at Trabuco Hills High School, giving the Eagles a familiar setting and strong fan support.
Head-to-Head History
This marks the first meeting between Centennial and Santa Margarita in the 2025 season. Both programs have a tradition of competing against California’s best, often crossing paths with powerhouses like Mater Dei and Servite.
Centennial’s early win against Servite provides a common opponent that helps gauge relative strength. The Huskies scored 42 points in that contest, while Santa Margarita will face Servite later this season.
Players to Watch
Centennial Huskies
- QB Dominick Catalano (#8): 330 passing yards in Week 1, one of the state’s top quarterbacks.
- WR Keawe Browne (#2): Leading receiver with 102 yards.
- RB Zander Lewis (#1): Power runner with 86 rushing yards.
- LB Jonathan McKinley II (#12): Team leader on defense with six tackles.
Santa Margarita Eagles
- QB Trace Johnson (#2): Threw for 205 yards in the opener, looking to build momentum.
- RB Jaion Smith (#1): Key to balancing the Eagles’ offensive attack.
- WR Luke Gazzaniga (#9): Top target in the passing game with 67 yards.
- LB Dash Fifita (#0): Anchors the defense with strong tackling.
- DL Vai Manutai (#15): Already recorded a sack this season.
Statistical Matchup
| Category | Centennial | Santa Margarita |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 221 | 94 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 330 | 205 |
| Total Yards/Game | 551 | 299 |
| Tackles/Game | 65 | 38 |
| Points/Game | 42 | 3 |
The numbers clearly tilt in Centennial’s favor, but Santa Margarita’s defense has proven it can keep games close.
What’s at Stake
For Centennial, this game is about maintaining momentum. A 2–0 start would keep them firmly in the Top 15 nationally and set up a showdown with Mater Dei on September 12.
For Santa Margarita, it’s about proving resilience. Falling to 0–2 would be a tough blow, but a win over a top-15 national opponent could catapult them up the rankings and restore confidence heading into Trinity League play.
Prediction
Centennial’s offensive firepower makes them the clear favorite. With Catalano at quarterback and multiple weapons at his disposal, the Huskies are likely to put up points quickly. Santa Margarita’s defense can keep them in the contest early, but unless the offense finds a breakthrough, it could be difficult to keep pace.
Projected Score: Centennial 35, Santa Margarita 14
How to Watch and Follow
Fans can attend in person by purchasing digital tickets through GoFan or catch the action live on the NFHS Network. For those who can’t make it, score updates and highlights will be available throughout the night.
Stay connected with more updates on California High School Football events and find your school’s football schedule here.
Conclusion
The Centennial vs Santa Margarita matchup offers a classic early-season clash between two ranked California powers. Centennial brings momentum, offensive balance, and national recognition, while Santa Margarita counters with grit, defensive toughness, and the motivation of playing at home.
Whether the Huskies extend their perfect start or the Eagles earn redemption, Thursday night promises to deliver another memorable chapter in California high school football.
