The Paramount (CA) varsity football team will host Roosevelt (Los Angeles, CA) tonight at 7 p.m. in a non-conference matchup. Both teams are eager to showcase their skills and start the season strong, promising fans an exciting evening of high school football action filled with intensity, determination, and spirited competition.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: California High School Football
- Who: Paramount vs Roosevelt
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Roosevelt vs. Paramount Football Preview: A Southern California Showdown
High school football is back in Southern California, and Week 1 brings a non-conference matchup that promises intensity and community pride. On Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., the Paramount Pirates will host the Roosevelt Rough Riders (Los Angeles, CA) in their season opener.
Both teams enter the contest with 0-0 records for 2025 and nearly identical long-term histories of 25-26 overall. But the rankings suggest Paramount may have a slight edge, setting the stage for a competitive and potentially dramatic Friday night clash.
Game at a Glance
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Matchup: Roosevelt Rough Riders (Los Angeles, CA) @ Paramount Pirates (Paramount, CA)
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Date & Time: Friday, August 22, 2025, @ 7:00 PM
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Location: Paramount High School Stadium
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Type: Non-conference season opener
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Current Records: Both teams 0-0 (historical 25-26 each)
Rankings Snapshot
Roosevelt Rough Riders
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National Rank: 10,152
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California Rank: 688
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Section Rank: 19
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Overall Record: 25-26
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2025 Record: 0-0 (home 0-0, away 0-0)
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PF / PA: 0 / 0
The Rough Riders are ranked in the top 700 in California, putting them in a respectable middle tier among the state’s high school football programs. Their strong section rank of 19 highlights their competitiveness within their local division, though national rankings suggest they still have room to grow.
Paramount Pirates
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National Rank: 7,647
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California Rank: 513
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Section Rank: 218
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Division Rank: 16
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Overall Record: 25-26
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2025 Record: 0-0 (home 0-0, away 0-0)
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PF / PA: 0 / 0
Paramount enters the season with a significantly stronger national rank than Roosevelt. At 7,647 nationally and 513 in California, the Pirates are positioned slightly above their opponents in statewide perception. Their Division 16 ranking also suggests they are among the more competitive teams in their classification, adding to the pressure of starting strong at home.
Historical Context
Much like other season-opening pairings this year, Roosevelt and Paramount have little to no recent head-to-head history. With both sitting at 25-26 overall historically, the matchup offers symmetry—two programs eager to climb above the .500 mark and prove they’re trending upward.
Non-conference openers are often unpredictable, and with no clear recent history between the teams, this contest will likely come down to execution rather than tradition.
Team Identities
Roosevelt Rough Riders
The Rough Riders pride themselves on being a gritty, hard-nosed team that plays with physicality. Their strength often lies in the trenches, where they aim to establish the run and control tempo.
Heading into 2025, Roosevelt is focused on reducing turnovers and sharpening execution. While their rankings suggest they’re a solid mid-tier team in California, they’ll need to prove they can win games on the road against slightly higher-ranked opponents like Paramount.
Paramount Pirates
Paramount has built a reputation on speed and athleticism, often looking to spread defenses and attack mismatches. At home, they tend to play with added confidence, feeding off the energy of their student section and community.
For the Pirates, this game is about setting the tone. Ranked ahead of Roosevelt in both state and national standings, Paramount will want to show that the rankings reflect reality, not just preseason predictions.
Keys to the Game
Roosevelt’s Keys
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Win the Line of Scrimmage – If Roosevelt’s offensive line can create gaps for their backs, they can keep Paramount’s defense on its heels.
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Limit Big Plays – The Rough Riders cannot afford to give up explosive touchdowns against Paramount’s speedy offense.
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Stay Composed on the Road – Playing in Paramount’s lively stadium will be a test of discipline and focus.
Paramount’s Keys
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Strike Early – A quick touchdown or turnover will set the tone and put Roosevelt under pressure.
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Utilize Team Speed – Spreading the field and creating space will be essential to breaking down Roosevelt’s defense.
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Finish Drives – Settling for field goals instead of touchdowns could open the door for an upset.
X-Factors
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Quarterback Play: Both teams are evenly matched historically, so the smarter, more efficient quarterback may be the difference.
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Special Teams: In a close opener, field position and kicking could decide the game.
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Conditioning: The August heat in Southern California often becomes a silent factor in fourth quarters. Whichever team is better conditioned could outlast the other.
What’s at Stake
While it’s only Week 1, the stakes are significant for both programs:
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Roosevelt: A win would elevate their state profile and prove they can beat higher-ranked opponents. It would also give them the confidence to build momentum heading into league play.
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Paramount: Victory would reinforce their superior rankings and protect home turf. For a program with aspirations beyond .500, losing to Roosevelt would be a setback.
Both teams are also competing for something symbolic: breaking out of their 25-26 historical deadlock and reestablishing themselves as winning programs.
Community Atmosphere
Friday night football in Paramount is always an event, and this opener will be no different. Expect packed stands, loud cheers, and a festive community atmosphere. The Pirates’ student section, cheer squad, and marching band will provide energy, making life difficult for the visiting Rough Riders.
Roosevelt will bring supporters too—family, alumni, and students making the short trip from Los Angeles. Their presence will ensure the Rough Riders aren’t alone in the fight, creating a spirited, competitive environment.
Predictions
Both teams are evenly matched on paper, but Paramount’s superior ranking and home-field advantage make them slight favorites. The Pirates’ athleticism and speed should allow them to create big plays, while Roosevelt will try to control the pace with physicality.
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Predicted Final Score: Paramount 28, Roosevelt 20
Expect Roosevelt to keep things close early with disciplined play, but Paramount’s ability to finish drives and feed off crowd energy should give them the edge in the second half.
Long-Term Outlook
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If Roosevelt Wins: It would be a statement victory, proving that rankings don’t always tell the full story. A road win against Paramount could propel them up the state standings and set the tone for a successful season.
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If Paramount Wins: The Pirates will be seen as a legitimate contender in their division and could start building momentum toward league play with confidence.
Either way, both teams will gain valuable insights about their strengths, weaknesses, and resilience under pressure.
Conclusion
The Roosevelt Rough Riders vs. Paramount Pirates matchup may not be a battle of California’s top-ranked teams, but it is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing openers of the week. With nearly identical records, competitive rankings, and passionate communities, the stage is set for a spirited contest.
Both squads are hungry to start the season with a win and to move their programs above the .500 mark historically. For Roosevelt, it’s about proving they can win on the road against a higher-ranked opponent. For Paramount, it’s about protecting home turf and showing they are deserving of their stronger ranking.
When the lights come on Friday night in Paramount, fans can expect hard hits, big plays, and the kind of unpredictable drama only high school football delivers.
