The spotlight shines bright in Los Angeles this Thursday night as the Granada Hills Charter Highlanders travel to square off against the Venice Gondoliers in an exciting non-conference matchup. Kickoff is set for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7 p.m., and fans can expect a battle between two programs eager to set the tone early in the season.
Granada Hills Charter vs Venice Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Granada Hills Charter vs Venice
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
The Highlanders enter the contest riding high after a commanding opening-week victory, while the Gondoliers are still searching for their first win of the year. With contrasting starts to their seasons, the stage is set for a compelling clash under the lights.
Rankings & Records
The Highlanders opened their season in dominant fashion, and it shows in their statistical profile. Granada Hills Charter sits at 7,410th nationally and 498th in California, a respectable standing early in the campaign. The Highlanders hold a perfect 1-0 record after their season debut, scoring 50 points while allowing just 16.
Venice, meanwhile, ranks slightly behind at 7,769th nationally and 518th in California. The Gondoliers fell short in their opener, scoring just 16 points while giving up 23. Their record sits at 0-1 overall with plenty of room for improvement.
Record Snapshot:
- Granada Hills Charter (1-0 overall, 1-0 home, 0-0 away)
- Venice (0-1 overall, 0-1 home, 0-0 away)
Statistical Breakdown
One glance at the team statistics shows just how explosive Granada Hills Charter can be on the ground.
Team Offense & Defense
| Category | Granada Hills Charter | Venice |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 420.0 | 47.0 |
| Passing Yards/Game | – | 128.0 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | – | 128.0 |
| Total Yards/Game | 420.0 | 175.0 |
| Tackles/Game | 21.0 | 59.0 |
| Sacks/Game | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Points/Game | 50.0 | 16.0 |
The Highlanders thrive on a powerful ground attack, averaging 420 rushing yards per game. They didn’t need much of a passing game in their first outing, instead relying on their run-heavy scheme to bulldoze their opponent.
Venice, in contrast, showed more balance but struggled to establish consistency. The Gondoliers leaned on the passing game with 128 yards through the air, but their lack of rushing support (just 47 yards on the ground) left them one-dimensional. Defensively, Venice is tested more often, recording 59 tackles per game, but the high workload highlights the struggles of their unit so far.
Team Leaders
Granada Hills Charter Highlanders
- Rushing Leader: #5 Michael Osuna – 166 yards/game
- Total Yards Leader: #5 Michael Osuna – 166 yards/game
- Top Scorer: #1 Dean Rosales – 20 points/game
- Tackles Leader: #3 Matthew Farias – 12 tackles/game
- Sack Leader: #70 Jayden Garcia – 1 sack/game
Venice Gondoliers
- Passing Leader: #3 Bennett Dome – 128 yards/game
- Receiving Leader: #1 Aaron Minter – 60 yards/game
- Total Yards Leader: #3 Bennett Dome – 122 yards/game
- Rushing Leader: #0 Joshua Aaron – 54 yards/game
- Tackles Leader: #10 William Oeser – 11 tackles/game
- Sack Leader: #7 Jonathan Sharp – 1 sack/game
- Top Scorer: #29 London Webster – 4 points/game
The Highlanders’ offense revolves around Michael Osuna, who has already established himself as one of the top rushers in the region with 166 yards per game. Add in the scoring punch of Dean Rosales, and Granada Hills Charter has multiple threats capable of breaking open a game.
Venice counters with quarterback Bennett Dome, who carries much of the offensive load. With 128 passing yards and 122 total yards per game, Dome is the key to the Gondoliers’ attack. Receiver Aaron Minter gives Venice a reliable target, while running back Joshua Aaron will need to increase his production if the offense is going to balance out.
Scoring Trends
Granada Hills Charter showcased an offensive explosion in their opener, putting up 50 points. Their ability to sustain drives on the ground proved overwhelming for the opposition.
Venice, however, scored early but couldn’t maintain momentum. The Gondoliers tallied six points in the first quarter and ten in the second, but were shut out in the second half. Sustaining offense against a Highlander defense that gave up just 16 points in their first outing will be their toughest challenge.
Recent Performances
- Granada Hills Charter: Defeated their opening opponent 50-16, showcasing dominance in the run game and defensive efficiency.
- Venice: Lost their first contest 23-16, struggling to generate points after halftime.
While it’s still early in the season, the contrast in performances is clear. The Highlanders bring confidence and momentum, while the Gondoliers look to regroup and defend their home turf.
Head-to-Head & Common Opponents
This matchup marks the first head-to-head meeting between Granada Hills Charter and Venice during the 2025-26 season. Neither program has played a common opponent yet, but both will face Palisades and Fairfax later this fall, providing a future benchmark for comparison.
Keys to Victory
Granada Hills Charter
- Stick to the Run Game: With Osuna leading the way, the Highlanders’ rushing attack is their greatest strength.
- Limit Passing Mistakes: While not passing often, controlling turnovers will be key against a Venice defense eager to make a statement.
- Maintain Defensive Pressure: Holding Venice under 20 points will likely be enough to secure another win.
Venice
- Establish a Ground Game: The Gondoliers cannot afford to be one-dimensional. Increasing production from Joshua Aaron is crucial.
- Protect Bennett Dome: The passing game works only if Dome has time in the pocket. Keeping pressure off him is essential.
- Second-Half Adjustments: Venice must avoid offensive stalls in the final two quarters to keep pace with Granada Hills Charter.
What’s at Stake
For Granada Hills Charter, another win would cement their early-season momentum and reinforce their standing as one of the stronger programs in the Los Angeles area. A 2-0 start could set the tone for a deep playoff push later this year.
Venice, on the other hand, is desperate to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole. Protecting home field and proving they can compete against powerful rushing attacks would give them confidence heading into league play.
California High School Football Spotlight
This matchup is part of another thrilling week of California high school football action, where programs across the state continue to test their strengths in non-league play. Fans can follow all the latest news, scores, and rankings as teams jockey for position before league competition begins.
Prediction
Based on current form and statistical dominance, Granada Hills Charter enters as the clear favorite. Their rushing attack looks nearly unstoppable, and their defense has already proven capable of limiting scoring opportunities.
Venice has the talent to challenge, particularly through the air, but unless they establish a stronger ground game and fix their second-half struggles, the Gondoliers could find themselves overwhelmed once again.
Projected Score: Granada Hills Charter 34, Venice 14
Final Thoughts
The Granada Hills Charter vs Venice matchup has all the ingredients of an exciting early-season contest. It’s a battle of momentum versus desperation: the Highlanders looking to build on success, and the Gondoliers fighting to right the ship.
Fans attending in person or watching on the NFHS Network will witness two proud programs laying the foundation for the rest of their seasons. Whether Granada Hills Charter continues their dominant start or Venice rallies at home, Thursday night promises to deliver a showcase of California high school football at its finest.
