The California high school football season continues with one of the most anticipated non-conference matchups of the week: Marin Catholic vs St. Mary’s. The Wildcats from Kentfield head south to Stockton to challenge the Rams under the lights this Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m.
Marin Catholic vs St. Mary’s Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Marin Catholic vs St. Mary’s
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
Fans can purchase digital tickets through GoFan and catch the game live on the NFHS Network for those unable to attend in person.
For more updates and coverage of California high school football, visit HS Football Insider – California.
Team Records Heading Into the Matchup
This contest presents two programs on opposite trajectories early in the 2025 season:
- Marin Catholic Wildcats (0-1 overall)
The Wildcats are still searching for their first victory after dropping their season opener. Despite a close 21-20 loss, Marin Catholic showed glimpses of competitiveness and will look to rebound quickly. - St. Mary’s Rams (2-0 overall)
St. Mary’s enters the game with momentum, having started the season with two straight wins. The Rams have been dominant at home, averaging over 50 points per game across their first two contests.
Rankings Snapshot
- Marin Catholic
- National: #926
- California: #82
- Section: #8
- Division: #1
- St. Mary’s
- National: #164
- California: #20
- Section: #3
- Division: #1
The Rams currently sit much higher in both state and national rankings, but Marin Catholic’s competitive tradition means this game could be tighter than the numbers suggest.
Statistical Comparison
When comparing team stats, St. Mary’s holds a major advantage in offensive production.
Scoring Averages per Quarter
- Marin Catholic: 7.0 (Q1), 0 (Q2), 7.0 (Q3), 6.0 (Q4) → 20.0 points per game
- St. Mary’s: 13.5 (Q1), 10.5 (Q2), 9.0 (Q3), 18.5 (Q4) → 51.5 points per game
The Rams nearly triple the Wildcats’ scoring output, highlighting a potent offense that starts fast and closes strong.
Yardage Production
- Marin Catholic:
- Rushing: 19.0 YPG
- Passing: 103.0 YPG
- Total: 122.0 YPG
- St. Mary’s:
- Rushing: 234.5 YPG
- Passing: 194.0 YPG
- Total: 428.5 YPG
The Wildcats have leaned more on the passing game, but their ground attack has been minimal. In contrast, the Rams balance an explosive rushing game with efficient passing, creating defensive headaches for opponents.
Standout Players to Watch
Every big matchup features players capable of tilting the outcome. Here’s who could make the difference in Marin Catholic vs St. Mary’s:
- Marin Catholic Wildcats
- Jackson Ahern (#2) – Leads the team in rushing with 12 yards per game.
- Cooper Milan (#9) – Primary quarterback, averaging 103 passing yards per game.
- Gabe Baker (#3) – Top receiving threat, hauling in 64 yards per contest.
- St. Mary’s Rams
- Diego Hernandez (#5) – Star running back, rushing for 117 yards per game.
- Jaden Galvan (#7) – Quarterback putting up 194 passing yards and total offense leader.
- Ivan Huerta (#14) – Key receiving target, averaging 76 yards per game.
- Jake Lucatello (#70) – Defensive anchor with 7.5 tackles per game.
- Luke Lucatello (#54) – Pass rush presence, averaging 1.3 sacks per game.
- Landon McClendon Jr. (#10) – Leading scorer, averaging 3 points per game.
Recent Highlights
- Marin Catholic
- Played a tough opener at Inderkum, losing narrowly 21-20. The highlights showed resilience despite offensive struggles on the ground.
- St. Mary’s
- Already featured in Top 10 High School Football Plays on the NFHS Network during Week 2 of the season.
- Strong showings in victories over Bishop Manogue (Nevada) and another non-league opponent, putting their offensive firepower on full display.
Matchup Breakdown
Marin Catholic Wildcats
The Wildcats’ early-season struggles are tied to their inability to establish the run. With only 19 rushing yards per game, opposing defenses have been able to key in on their passing attack. Quarterback Cooper Milan will need support from his offensive line and skill players to sustain drives against a St. Mary’s defense averaging 65 tackles per contest.
St. Mary’s Rams
The Rams’ offensive balance makes them one of the most dangerous teams in California. Diego Hernandez brings consistency in the rushing game, while Jaden Galvan’s ability to spread the ball through the air keeps defenses off balance. Add in a defense that produces sacks and turnovers, and St. Mary’s looks poised for another strong outing.
Head-to-Head History
Interestingly, Marin Catholic and St. Mary’s have not faced each other in recent years, making this a fresh non-conference clash. There’s no prior head-to-head record to measure against, which adds intrigue to this matchup.
What’s at Stake
- For Marin Catholic: A win would provide a huge morale boost after a tough opening loss and prove they can compete against a top-20 program in California.
- For St. Mary’s: Protecting their home field and moving to 3-0 would solidify their early-season dominance and keep their ranking momentum alive.
Prediction Outlook
Based on statistics, rankings, and early-season form, St. Mary’s enters as the heavy favorite. Their explosive offense averaging over 50 points per game is a sharp contrast to Marin Catholic’s offensive struggles.
However, Marin Catholic has a history of playing tough in big games. If the Wildcats’ defense can slow down the Rams’ rushing attack and force turnovers, they could keep the game competitive into the second half.
Final Word
The Marin Catholic vs St. Mary’s matchup represents more than just a non-conference contest—it’s a test of resilience for one team and a chance to reinforce dominance for the other. Whether you’re watching live in Stockton or streaming from home, this clash promises to deliver plenty of action.
For full coverage of this game and other California high school football matchups, check out HS Football Insider – California.
