The spotlight in Southern California high school football this Friday, September 5, 2025, falls on Garfield vs Kennedy as the Bulldogs travel from Los Angeles to face the Fighting Irish in La Palma. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with digital tickets available through GoFan.

Garfield vs Kennedy Football Game Info:

What: California High School Football
Who: Garfield vs Kennedy
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here

This non-conference matchup features two programs heading in very different directions early in the season. Garfield comes in with an 0-1 record, still searching for its first points of the year, while Kennedy has built momentum at 2-0 with convincing wins behind a balanced offensive attack.

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Garfield Bulldogs: Looking for a Breakthrough

Garfield enters this contest 0-1 overall after opening the season with a tough loss. The Bulldogs’ offense has struggled to get going, scoring zero points in their first outing and averaging just 178 total yards per game.

Despite the slow start, there are standout performers worth noting:

• Zastice Jauregui (#4) has been the workhorse on the ground, averaging 100 rushing yards per game and 106 total yards. His ability to sustain drives will be critical if Garfield hopes to keep pace with Kennedy.
• Quarterback Robert Cedillo (#11) has thrown for 16 yards per game, but the Bulldogs will need more production through the air to avoid being one-dimensional.
• Receiver Alex Castro (#10) leads Garfield with 9 receiving yards per game, though opportunities have been limited so far.
• On defense, Javier Vargas (#2) has been active, averaging 10 tackles per game, giving Garfield a presence in the middle.

While the Bulldogs’ offensive struggles have been glaring, their 162 rushing yards per game suggest a physical ground game that could help control tempo. The challenge is converting those yards into points.

Kennedy Fighting Irish: Momentum on Their Side

The Kennedy Fighting Irish have been dominant through the first two weeks of the 2025 season, entering this game at 2-0. Their offense has looked sharp, averaging 36 points per game, while their defense has held opponents to just 13 total points across two contests.

Key contributors for Kennedy include:

• Quarterback Derek Almazan (#15), who is averaging 189.5 passing yards per game and has been the driving force of the Irish offense.
• Receiver Mahseiah Banks (#0), who has quickly become Almazan’s go-to target, averaging 96.7 receiving yards per game and 10 points scored per outing.
• Dual-threat playmaker Rocco Street (#4), contributing 42.3 rushing yards per game along with 10.7 tackles per game, showing his impact on both sides of the ball.
• Defensively, Kennedy’s 76 tackles per game and 2 sacks per game reflect a unit that flies to the ball and creates pressure.

Kennedy’s offensive balance is especially dangerous. With 195 passing yards per game complemented by 86.5 rushing yards, they have shown they can move the ball effectively through the air while maintaining enough of a ground threat to keep defenses honest.

Head-to-Head and Program Comparison

This marks the first head-to-head meeting between Garfield and Kennedy, with no prior matchups recorded.

Looking at overall trends:

• Garfield (0-1, 0-0 in league play) has yet to win a non-league contest this season and has been shut out in their opener.
• Kennedy (2-0, 0-0 in league play) has been perfect, with wins at both home and away, including one non-league victory.

Statistically, the Irish hold significant advantages. They average 281.5 total yards per game compared to Garfield’s 178 yards. More importantly, Kennedy averages 36 points per game, while Garfield has yet to score.

What to Watch For

1. Garfield’s Ground Game vs. Kennedy’s Defense
   The Bulldogs rely heavily on Jauregui’s rushing ability. If he can break through, Garfield might control the clock and shorten the game. However, Kennedy’s front seven has been stout, making this a critical matchup.
2. The Almazan-to-Banks Connection
   Kennedy’s quarterback-receiver duo has been electric through two games. Garfield’s secondary must find a way to limit explosive plays downfield.
3. Turnovers and Possession
   With Garfield struggling to put points on the board, they can’t afford giveaways. Kennedy thrives on creating extra possessions, which could tilt the game quickly.
4. Momentum Swings
   Garfield will try to build confidence early. If they can get on the scoreboard in the first half, it might create a different energy. Kennedy, on the other hand, has been dominant in the fourth quarter, averaging 15.5 points late in games, which could prove decisive.

Prediction Outlook

Based on current form and statistics, Kennedy enters as the clear favorite. Their offensive production and defensive strength give them the upper hand. For Garfield, the game presents an opportunity to reset the tone of their season by finding offensive rhythm and proving they can compete against a strong opponent.

If Garfield’s rushing attack establishes momentum and the defense keeps the score within reach, an upset could be possible. Still, Kennedy’s balance and efficiency suggest they have the tools to remain unbeaten.

Final Thoughts

The Garfield vs Kennedy matchup represents more than just another non-conference game. For Garfield, it’s about finding an offensive identity and proving resilience after a rough start. For Kennedy, it’s about continuing a strong opening stretch and solidifying themselves as a team to watch in Southern California.

Fans can expect intensity, physical play, and the possibility of big momentum shifts under the Friday night lights in La Palma.

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