The Mission Viejo vs Santa Margarita matchup is set to be one of the most exciting early-season battles in Southern California high school football. Both teams are nationally ranked, and the game has already been chosen as the MaxPreps Game of the Week. With new leadership on the Santa Margarita sidelines and Mission Viejo entering the season with championship aspirations, fans can expect a Friday night thriller.
Game Information
- Matchup: Mission Viejo (CA) vs Santa Margarita (CA)
- Date/Location: Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 / Trabuco Hills High School Stadium
- Kickoff Time: 7 p.m. PT
- Streaming: Watch Live on NFHS Network
For more coverage on other matchups, check out our guide to California High School Football.
Game Preview
Santa Margarita enters the season with a new head coach, Carson Palmer, who takes over at his alma mater. The former Heisman Trophy winner and longtime NFL quarterback has assembled an all-star staff of ex-professionals, giving the Eagles a new energy heading into 2025. With Simote Katoanga and Trent Mosley, two four-star recruits already committed to USC, the Eagles have the star power to make noise. Adding Tulane-bound QB Trace Johnson only makes them more dangerous.
Mission Viejo, however, comes in with proven success. Head coach Chad Johnson has already brought home a state title and has built one of California’s most consistent programs. The Diablos went 10-1 last season, with their only loss coming against Centennial in the Southern Section playoffs. With four-star stars like Vance Spafford and Jeron Jones, along with Ohio State commit Luke Fahey at quarterback, Mission Viejo is primed for another big year.
This game isn’t just about rankings—it’s a clash of styles. Santa Margarita looks to prove they can hang with the elite after finishing 5-7 last year, while Mission Viejo aims to continue their dominance. The MaxPreps Game of the Week spotlight will only add fuel to the fire, making this matchup one to remember.
Players to Watch
Santa Margarita Eagles
- DL Simote Katoanga (USC commit)
- WR Trent Mosley (USC commit)
- QB Trace Johnson (Tulane commit)
- RB Jaion Smith
- DL Manoah Faupusa (Arizona commit)
Mission Viejo Diablos
- WR Vance Spafford (Miami commit)
- CB Jeron Jones (Washington commit)
- QB Luke Fahey (Ohio State commit)
- DL J.D. Hill (Northern Arizona commit)
- RB Davonte Curtis
👉 Don’t miss the action – watch Mission Viejo vs Santa Margarita live and experience one of California’s biggest high school football showdowns of 2025.
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