The San Diego high school football scene heats up tonight as the Morse Tigers (0-1) host the Orange Glen Patriots (1-0) in a non-conference matchup at Morse High School. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., promising an intense clash as both teams look to make early-season statements.
Orange Glen vs Morse Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Orange Glen vs Morse
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
For fans looking to attend, digital tickets are available at GoFan. If you can’t make it in person, the game is also streaming live on the NFHS Network.
This matchup, Orange Glen vs Morse, pits a team coming off a dominant win against one looking to bounce back from a tough season opener. Both squads have high hopes for the season, but tonight’s game could set the tone for their 2025 campaigns.
Season Records and Rankings
Entering tonight’s game, the Orange Glen Patriots hold a perfect 1-0 record, demonstrating offensive firepower and defensive discipline. Their early-season performance has them ranked nationally at 12,651, placing them 899th in California, 76th in their section, and 74th in their section division. Orange Glen boasts an overall winning percentage of 1.000, averaging 55 points per game while allowing only 12.
Meanwhile, the Morse Tigers are coming off a 0-1 start, having struggled in their opener. Nationally ranked 9,748th, Morse sits 667th in California, 61st in their section, and 60th in their section division. The Tigers have yet to find the end zone this season, averaging 0 points per game while conceding 31.
Offensive and Defensive Matchups
The Orange Glen offense has been electric in their opening contest. Their rushing attack, led by Abraham Cervantes, has averaged 101 yards per game, while quarterback Altair Samano has contributed 57 passing yards and 117 total yards per game. Xadan Wilde has emerged as a reliable target in the passing game with 41 receiving yards per contest.
Statistically, Orange Glen dominates with an average of 320 rushing yards, 57 passing yards, and 377 total yards per game. Defensively, the Patriots are equally impressive, recording 44 tackles and 3 sacks per game.
The Morse Tigers, on the other hand, will look to establish their offensive rhythm after a difficult start. While they have yet to record yards or points this season, key players like Noah Reynoso, who averages 9 tackles and 1 sack per game, will be vital to keeping the Tigers competitive. Morse’s defense will need to step up against Orange Glen’s dynamic offense.
Key Players to Watch
Orange Glen Patriots
- Abraham Cervantes (#21) – The running back is a major offensive weapon, averaging 101 rushing yards per game. Expect him to challenge Morse’s defensive line consistently.
- Altair Samano (#13) – The quarterback has already totaled 117 yards of offense. His ability to read defenses and connect with his receivers will be crucial.
- Xadan Wilde (#8) – The wide receiver adds another layer to the Patriots’ offense. His speed and route-running could create matchup problems for Morse.
Morse Tigers
- Noah Reynoso (#35) – The linebacker leads the team with 9 tackles per game and 1 sack. Reynoso’s presence will be critical in slowing down Orange Glen’s rushing attack.
Offensive Strategies
Orange Glen will likely lean heavily on their running game to control the clock and keep Morse’s offense off the field. With a balanced attack that incorporates short passes, the Patriots can exploit gaps in Morse’s defensive front. Quick reads by Samano and decisive runs by Cervantes will be essential to keep the Tigers off-balance.
The Morse Tigers, in contrast, will need to find creative ways to move the ball. With a struggling passing game, establishing the run early could help open passing lanes later in the game. Look for Morse to utilize misdirection plays and screen passes to generate yardage.
Defensive Battle
Orange Glen’s defense has been formidable, allowing only 12 points through their first game. Their linebackers and defensive line will aim to stop Morse’s rushing attempts before they can build momentum. Quick reads and aggressive tackling will be key to maintaining control.
Morse’s defense, while having conceded 31 points in their opener, has a chance to tighten up gaps and create turnovers. Reynoso will lead the charge, and secondary players must maintain coverage discipline to prevent explosive plays from Orange Glen’s receivers.
Special Teams Impact
Special teams could play a pivotal role in tonight’s game. Field position battles and kick returns may swing momentum in favor of either team. Orange Glen’s early-season dominance suggests they have a reliable kicking game, while Morse must execute flawlessly to avoid giving up advantageous positions.
Historical Context and Expectations
This game marks the first meeting between the Patriots and Tigers, so both teams are entering uncharted territory. For Orange Glen, a win tonight would continue their strong start and cement them as a top contender in their region. For Morse, a victory would help erase the memory of a rough opener and provide confidence as they enter league play.
Both squads have strong fan support, and the home crowd at Morse is expected to be vocal and energized, adding another layer of intensity to the matchup.
How to Watch and Attend
Fans looking to experience the game live can purchase tickets digitally through GoFan. The game will also be available for live streaming on the NFHS Network, allowing fans across the state to tune in.
Score updates and live reporting will be available from Stephanie Huff, who is providing on-the-field coverage for the Patriots. Fans can also engage in live commentary and follow play-by-play updates.
Season Implications
For Orange Glen, maintaining their winning momentum is critical. A strong performance tonight could solidify their confidence heading into league play. Their early-season scoring and defensive efficiency make them a team to watch in California high school football.
For Morse, tonight represents an opportunity to reset. Facing a high-powered offense like Orange Glen will test their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure. Success on either side of the ball could provide a foundation for improved performance throughout the season.
Game Predictions
While anything can happen in high school football, the statistical and performance trends favor Orange Glen. With a balanced offense, strong defensive stats, and standout individual performances, the Patriots are poised to challenge Morse at home. However, the Tigers’ determination and home-field advantage may lead to critical moments of suspense throughout the game.
Key areas to watch include:
- Morse’s ability to slow down Cervantes and the Orange Glen rushing attack.
- Samano’s passing efficiency under pressure.
- Turnover creation and capitalizing on special teams opportunities.
Where to Follow California High School Football
For fans tracking high school football across the state, including tonight’s Orange Glen vs Morse matchup, HS Football Insider’s California section provides scores, stats, schedules, and news coverage for all major events. Stay updated with the latest reports, rankings, and live coverage to never miss a moment of action.
Final Thoughts
Tonight’s clash between the Orange Glen Patriots and Morse Tigers is more than just a non-conference game—it’s a test of preparation, execution, and resilience. Orange Glen will aim to continue their high-scoring momentum, while Morse will fight to turn their season around in front of a passionate home crowd.
As kickoff approaches at 7:00 p.m., fans can expect fast-paced action, strategic matchups, and the kind of thrilling moments that make high school football a beloved sport in California. Whether attending in person or streaming online, Orange Glen vs Morse promises to be a memorable night of gridiron football.
