The spotlight turns to Los Angeles tonight as the Mendez Jaguars welcome the Maywood CES Wolfpack in a non-conference matchup under the Thursday night lights. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. on August 28, 2025, and the contest promises to be a critical measuring stick for both programs, each still searching for its first win of the season.
Maywood CES vs Mendez Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Maywood CES vs Mendez
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
With both teams entering the game at 0-1, the stakes are already high. Early-season matchups like Maywood CES vs Mendez don’t just set the tone for the year—they also offer young rosters a chance to prove themselves and build momentum before league play begins. Fans can secure their seats digitally through GoFan, making attendance easier than ever for one of Los Angeles’ most intriguing early-season battles.
Explore more California High School Football coverage here.
A Tale of Two Teams Looking for Redemption
Both the Wolfpack and Jaguars had difficult openers, falling short in their respective first games. Maywood CES managed just 7 points while conceding 33, while Mendez also scored 7 but allowed 46. For both squads, the focus this week has been about tightening up on defense and finding more consistency on offense.
Despite the slow starts, both rosters feature individual standouts capable of turning the tide in any game. As the season is still young, coaches and players alike understand that one strong performance can quickly erase the memory of a shaky opener.
By the Numbers: Team Comparisons
Looking at the statistics, the Wolfpack and Jaguars are evenly matched in many areas, though each brings its own strengths to the field.
Maywood CES Wolfpack (0-1, 25-26 season)
- National Rank: 13,685
- California Rank: 1,008
- Points For: 7
- Points Against: 33
- Rushing Yards per Game: 89.0
- Passing Yards per Game: 5.0
- Receiving Yards per Game: 63.0
- Total Yards per Game: 94.0
- Tackles per Game: 38.0
Mendez Jaguars (0-1, 25-26 season)
- National Rank: 14,022
- California Rank: 1,055
- Points For: 7
- Points Against: 46
- Tackles per Game: 41.0
- Sacks per Game: 1.0
On paper, Maywood CES appears slightly more balanced on offense, particularly in the ground game and receiving corps. Meanwhile, Mendez has a defensive edge with more tackles per game and the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks with sacks.
Offensive Leaders to Watch
Every great game comes down to playmakers, and tonight’s matchup is no different.
Maywood CES Playmakers
- Dylan Rodriguez (#2): A dual-threat weapon, Rodriguez has already rushed for 64 yards per game and leads the Wolfpack with 64.0 total yards. His ability to break through defensive lines will be key.
- Anthony Morales (#14): The quarterback hasn’t had many passing opportunities yet, but with 5.0 passing yards per game, the Wolfpack coaching staff may look to open up the playbook tonight.
- Antonio Moreno (#20): A standout receiver with 55 yards in the opener, Moreno provides Maywood CES with a reliable deep-ball target. He also contributes on defense with 8.0 tackles per game, making him one of the most versatile players on the roster.
Mendez Playmakers
- Carmello Colon (#0): A spark plug for the Jaguars’ offense, Colon leads the team in scoring with 6 points so far. His agility makes him a constant threat in red-zone situations.
- Anthony Mack (#5): On defense, Mack has been a tackling machine, averaging 8.0 tackles per game—matching Moreno of Maywood CES. His ability to close down running lanes will be tested against Rodriguez.
- Francisco Valdez (#79): A defensive powerhouse, Valdez already has a sack on the season. His pass-rushing ability could disrupt Morales and limit the Wolfpack’s passing game.
What Happened Last Week
Both Maywood CES and Mendez faced uphill battles in their season openers.
- Maywood CES fell short in their first outing, scoring 7 points but conceding 33. The defense struggled to contain explosive plays, while the offense had difficulty sustaining drives. Still, Rodriguez and Moreno showed flashes of promise that could blossom against a less dominant opponent.
- Mendez was overwhelmed by their opener as well, losing 46-7. While the scoreboard was lopsided, the Jaguars found positives in their defensive effort, recording 41 tackles and 1 sack. Colon’s touchdown showcased their potential on offense, even if consistency remains a challenge.
Key Matchup: Rodriguez vs. Mack
The headline battle of the night could come down to Dylan Rodriguez running the ball for Maywood CES against Anthony Mack, the defensive anchor for Mendez. If Rodriguez can find holes in the Jaguars’ defense, Maywood CES will control the tempo. Conversely, if Mack and Valdez can shut him down early, the Wolfpack will be forced into a passing game they haven’t yet shown confidence in.
What’s at Stake Tonight
For both programs, this is more than just a non-league game. It’s about establishing an identity.
- Maywood CES is looking to prove they can compete in all four quarters, leaning on their ground game and emerging receivers. A win tonight would not only even their record at 1-1 but also build momentum ahead of upcoming matchups against Reseda and Roybal.
- Mendez, meanwhile, wants to defend their home field and shake off the sting of their season-opening defeat. The Jaguars know that a strong defensive performance could set the tone for their season. Beating Maywood CES at home would give them confidence heading into October when they face common opponents like Roybal and Reseda.
Head-to-Head History
Interestingly, these two schools have never faced each other before. That means tonight’s contest will set the tone for what could become a local rivalry in future seasons. Both teams share common opponents later in the year, making this matchup a valuable comparison point for coaches and fans alike.
Common Opponents to Watch
While neither team has faced a common opponent yet, both will see Reseda and Roybal later in the season. Their performances tonight may give early indications of how they’ll stack up in those future games.
- Maywood CES will host Reseda on September 5 and travel to Roybal on September 19.
- Mendez will host Roybal on October 3 and Reseda on October 10.
How each program handles tonight’s test could foreshadow their competitiveness in those matchups.
Predictions: What to Expect
Expect a hard-fought, low-scoring battle between two teams still working out their offensive rhythm.
- Maywood CES will likely lean on the rushing ability of Rodriguez and the receiving talent of Moreno to move the chains.
- Mendez will counter with Colon’s playmaking and the defensive intensity of Mack and Valdez.
Special teams could also play a major role, as both sides search for consistency in field position battles. Turnovers and penalties are likely to be decisive factors in what shapes up as an evenly matched contest.
Final Thoughts
The Maywood CES vs Mendez matchup has all the makings of a gritty, early-season showdown where both programs are hungry to claim their first victory. For Maywood CES, the key lies in capitalizing on Rodriguez’s rushing ability and Moreno’s dual-threat presence. For Mendez, it’s about harnessing the defensive leadership of Mack and Valdez while trusting Colon to spark the offense.
Win or lose, both teams will walk away with valuable lessons to carry into the rest of their 2025 campaign. But for the victor, tonight’s game will mark a crucial turning point in the season—a chance to shift the narrative from disappointment to resilience.
Fans who can’t make it to the stadium can follow live score updates and contribute as official scoretrackers. Those planning to attend can grab their digital tickets through GoFan and experience the excitement firsthand.
