The Justin Garza (Fresno, CA) varsity football team is set to host the Mt. Whitney (Visalia, CA) Pioneers in a non-conference showdown on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Justin Garza home field. With both teams looking to solidify their season momentum, this matchup promises intense competition and a test of early-season form.
Mt. Whitney vs Justin Garza Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Mt. Whitney vs Justin Garza
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
For fans of California high school football, this game is an opportunity to see two evenly matched squads clash. You can follow all updates for California football events here.
Team Overview
Justin Garza Guardians
The Guardians enter the game with a 1-0 record after a promising season opener. They have already displayed strong offensive and defensive fundamentals, posting an 18-12 victory that highlighted their balanced attack.
Justin Garza’s offensive statistics show a team capable of moving the ball both on the ground and through the air. They average 204 rushing yards per game and 180 passing yards per game, generating a total of 384 yards per game, more than double the Pioneers’ output. Defensively, the Guardians have been active with 84 tackles per game and 1 sack per game, indicating a defense that can disrupt opposing offenses effectively.
Key players for Justin Garza include:
- Samir Mohammed – Leading the rushing attack with 160 yards per game, outpacing the national average of 22.9 yards.
- Bohden Smith – Quarterback responsible for 180 passing yards per game.
- Jewel Jones – A dynamic receiver averaging 113 receiving yards per game, making him a critical target for the passing game.
- Junior Olague – Defensive standout with 12 tackles per game, anchoring the Guardians’ front line.
Mt. Whitney Pioneers
Mt. Whitney begins the season with a 0-1 record, having struggled in their opener. The Pioneers were held scoreless in their last game, allowing 31 points while failing to find the end zone. With a total yardage of 187 yards per game, they will need to tighten both offensive execution and defensive schemes to compete with a high-powered team like Justin Garza.
Offensively, Mt. Whitney’s key contributors are:
- Kayden Silvas – The Pioneers’ primary rusher with 143 yards per game and a total of 146 yards in overall production.
- Levi Young – Quarterback contributing 9 passing yards per game.
- Falcon Briggs – Receiver with 7 yards per game.
- Keegan Oswalt – Defensive leader posting 11 tackles per game.
While the Pioneers have yet to score this season, they have a strong foundation to build on, particularly in their ground game led by Silvas. Their defense will need to step up significantly to slow down the Guardians’ potent offense.
Matchup Analysis
The Mt. Whitney vs Justin Garza game highlights several key storylines.
- Offensive Balance vs Defensive Pressure – Justin Garza’s balanced attack gives them an advantage. With strong rushing and passing stats, they can adapt their game plan depending on Mt. Whitney’s defensive response. For the Pioneers, containing the run while limiting explosive plays through the air will be crucial.
- Early-Season Momentum – The Guardians carry momentum from their opening win, which can boost confidence and execution. The Pioneers, on the other hand, are seeking a bounce-back performance to reset their season trajectory.
- Turnovers and Field Position – In closely contested non-conference games, turnovers and field position often determine outcomes. Justin Garza’s disciplined approach and active defense could force critical mistakes from Mt. Whitney.
- Individual Matchups – Expect fireworks in skill positions. Samir Mohammed versus the Pioneers’ defensive line and Jewel Jones against the secondary will be key matchups that could swing the game.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Mt. Whitney | Justin Garza |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 178 | 204 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 9 | 180 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | 9 | 180 |
| Total Yards/Game | 187 | 384 |
| Tackles/Game | 54 | 84 |
| Sacks/Game | – | 1 |
Clearly, Justin Garza holds a statistical edge across nearly every offensive and defensive category. The Guardians’ ability to gain almost double the total yards and apply more tackles per game underlines their superiority heading into this clash.
Game Context and Venue
The Thursday night matchup will be hosted at Justin Garza High School in Fresno, CA, providing the Guardians home-field advantage. The local crowd is expected to bring energy and support for the team, which could influence momentum in key situations. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as high school rivalries often draw passionate attendance even in non-conference matchups.
Predictions and Expectations
While Mt. Whitney has the talent to compete, Justin Garza’s early-season performance and depth across positions make them favorites. The Guardians’ rushing and passing efficiency, coupled with a robust defensive front, suggests they could dominate time of possession and scoring opportunities.
Expect Justin Garza to capitalize on early mistakes and control the tempo. However, if the Pioneers can generate a few big plays, particularly in the ground game led by Kayden Silvas, the contest could tighten, making it an exciting game for fans.
Players to Watch
Justin Garza
- Samir Mohammed – Look for him to carry the bulk of the rushing load and exploit Mt. Whitney’s defensive weaknesses.
- Bohden Smith – His passing efficiency will test the Pioneers’ secondary.
- Jewel Jones – Could be the X-factor; a big reception or touchdown may swing momentum.
Mt. Whitney
- Kayden Silvas – Pioneers’ leading rusher must produce significant yardage to keep the game competitive.
- Keegan Oswalt – Defensive leadership essential for containing the Guardians’ offense.
Historical Context
Although this season marks an early matchup between the two squads, historical trends suggest Justin Garza has an edge in consistency and execution. Both teams have faced different opponents in prior years, making head-to-head comparisons less predictive, but season performance and player statistics give the Guardians a measurable advantage.
Conclusion
The Mt. Whitney vs Justin Garza matchup is set to deliver a competitive and entertaining Thursday night for California high school football fans. With Justin Garza coming off a strong opening victory and Mt. Whitney seeking redemption, the game offers a compelling mix of strategy, athleticism, and hometown energy.
Fans can follow all California high school football events and live coverage here.
The Guardians’ home-field advantage, combined with balanced offensive production and disciplined defense, positions them as favorites. Yet, Mt. Whitney’s determination and key individual talents may create surprises. This game will test preparation, execution, and resilience on both sides.
