The California high school football spotlight is set on King vs San Jacinto this Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. The non-conference matchup will be played at San Jacinto High School in San Jacinto, CA, and it’s already generating plenty of buzz among fans, players, and coaches alike.
King vs San Jacinto Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: King vs San Jacinto
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
With both programs entering the second week of the season, the stakes are high for very different reasons. King (Riverside, CA) comes into the contest riding momentum after a gritty season-opening victory, while San Jacinto is desperate to bounce back following a tough loss.
Fans unable to attend in person can purchase digital tickets through GoFan or catch the live broadcast via the NFHS Network.
👉 For more coverage of California high school football, check out our California Football section.
A Tale of Two Starts
The King Wolves (1-0) started their 2025 campaign on the right foot, securing a narrow 22-20 victory. The win wasn’t flashy, but it showcased resilience and composure in crunch time. Their offense showed balance, but the real difference came from key individual performances.
The San Jacinto Tigers (0-1), meanwhile, had a much different experience. They opened the season with a difficult 51-14 loss. Despite showing flashes of offensive talent, the Tigers struggled to keep pace defensively, giving up big plays that ultimately swung the game out of reach.
The question heading into Friday night is simple: Can San Jacinto regroup at home against a team that thrives in close battles?
Rankings and Records
Both programs sit in vastly different positions in early-season rankings.
- King Wolves (Riverside, CA)
- National Rank: 2,195
- California Rank: 177
- Section Rank: 89
- Division Rank: 3
- Overall: 1-0 (1-0 Home, 0-0 Away)
- Points For: 22 | Points Allowed: 20
- San Jacinto Tigers (San Jacinto, CA)
- National Rank: 975
- California Rank: 85
- Section Rank: 51
- Division Rank: 16
- Overall: 0-1 (0-0 Home, 0-1 Away)
- Points For: 14 | Points Allowed: 51
Despite the early rankings favoring San Jacinto on a broader scale, the results on the field have told a different story. King may not be as highly rated, but they carry an unblemished record and momentum into the game.
Key Matchup Factors
1. Offensive Production
King relies heavily on their ground game. In their opener, the Wolves posted 144 rushing yards per game, with quarterback Ben Major leading the way. Major didn’t register passing yards in the first contest but made up for it with his mobility and leadership on the ground.
San Jacinto, on the other hand, displayed a more balanced offensive approach. Quarterback Josue Estrada threw for 108 passing yards, while receiver Diashaun Davis contributed with 80 receiving yards. Running back Daevon Love added 57 yards on the ground, giving the Tigers multiple offensive options.
The contrast is clear: King thrives on physical rushing, while San Jacinto needs to air it out to move the chains.
2. Defensive Pressure
Defensively, King still has questions to answer. They managed just 3 tackles per game and no recorded sacks in their opener, which could be a concern against San Jacinto’s passing game.
The Tigers, however, showed more defensive activity despite their loss. Linebacker Samuel Minnott led with 11 tackles, while defensive lineman Damere Coleman recorded a sack. If San Jacinto can apply pressure and limit King’s ground game, they’ll have a chance to control momentum.
3. Momentum vs. Desperation
King walks into this matchup with confidence, knowing they can close out tight games. San Jacinto, meanwhile, plays with urgency after a humbling defeat. That desperation can work in two ways: it can fuel a team to a statement performance, or it can expose weaknesses if early mistakes pile up.
Statistical Breakdown
Team Averages
- King Wolves:
- 144.0 rushing yards per game
- 0.0 passing yards per game
- 67.0 receiving yards per game
- 22 points scored in their opener
- San Jacinto Tigers:
- 119.0 rushing yards per game
- 108.0 passing yards per game
- 108.0 receiving yards per game
- 14 points scored in their opener
Scoring Trends
King’s scoring came in chunks:
- 7 points in the first quarter
- 8 points in the third
- 7 points in the fourth
San Jacinto’s points were limited, but they’ll look to sustain drives better at home.
Individual Standouts
- King Wolves:
- Ben Major (#1): 122 rushing yards, 122 total yards per game
- Drayton Fitzpatrick (#16): 36 receiving yards per game
- Jaxson Ginger (#9): 2 tackles per game
- San Jacinto Tigers:
- Josue Estrada (#12): 108 passing yards, 108 total yards per game
- Diashaun Davis (#18): 80 receiving yards per game
- Daevon Love (#24): 57 rushing yards per game
- Samuel Minnott (#25): 11 tackles per game
- Damere Coleman (#9): 1 sack per game
These names are likely to be mentioned often during Friday’s broadcast, as they represent the core playmakers for both sides.
Head-to-Head History
Interestingly, King vs San Jacinto doesn’t have a prior head-to-head history on record. This will be the first meeting between the programs, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Both schools will look to set the tone for any potential future matchups.
Keys to Victory
- For King (Riverside, CA):
- Stick to their strength in the running game.
- Control time of possession to keep San Jacinto’s passing attack off the field.
- Improve defensive tackling to avoid giving up big plays.
- For San Jacinto (CA):
- Establish balance early with both Estrada’s arm and Love’s rushing.
- Minimize turnovers that can swing momentum.
- Capitalize on their defensive leaders to slow down Major’s rushing attack.
What’s at Stake
For King, this matchup is about proving their Week 1 win wasn’t a fluke. A victory on the road would solidify them as a rising program in California’s competitive high school football landscape.
For San Jacinto, the game is about redemption. Starting 0-2 would put them in a hole early, but a bounce-back win against a confident King squad could reset their season and reestablish confidence in their system.
Final Thoughts
The King vs San Jacinto game is shaping up to be a fascinating early-season clash. On paper, San Jacinto holds higher rankings and a more balanced offense, but King carries momentum and a proven ability to grind out wins.
Expect a physical game where turnovers, third-down efficiency, and discipline will determine the outcome. If King controls the tempo with their run-heavy approach, they’ll have a real shot to remain undefeated. But if San Jacinto’s passing attack finds rhythm and their defense rises to the challenge, the Tigers could roar back into contention.
Either way, Friday night promises fireworks under the lights in San Jacinto.
