High school football in California always brings intense matchups, and this Friday is no exception. The Santa Fe vs South Gate game is set for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. in South Gate, California. Both teams enter the contest with identical 1-1 records, and each side looks to grab momentum early in the season.
Santa Fe vs South Gate Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Santa Fe vs South Gate
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
This non-conference matchup pits the Santa Fe Chiefs of Santa Fe Springs against the South Gate Rams, two programs looking to strengthen their footing in the California high school football landscape.
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Current Records and Rankings
Santa Fe Chiefs (1-1)
- National Rank: 9,622
- California Rank: 650
- Section Rank: 251
- Division Rank: 10
- Points For (PF): 36
- Points Allowed (PA): 47
- Win Percentage: .500
South Gate Rams (1-1)
- National Rank: 10,219
- California Rank: 697
- Section Rank: 20
- Points For (PF): 54
- Points Allowed (PA): 44
- Win Percentage: .500
Both teams are evenly matched statistically, each balancing one win and one loss on the season. South Gate’s offense, however, has scored more points through two games, averaging 27 per contest compared to Santa Fe’s 18.
Team Scoring Averages
Breaking down the scoring trends provides insight into how both programs operate on the field.
Santa Fe Chiefs:
- 1st Quarter: 6.0 points
- 2nd Quarter: 7.0 points
- 3rd Quarter: 0 points
- 4th Quarter: 7.0 points
- Average Game Total: 18.0 points
South Gate Rams:
- 1st Quarter: 8.0 points
- 2nd Quarter: 8.0 points
- 3rd Quarter: 0 points
- 4th Quarter: 11.0 points
- Average Game Total: 27.0 points
Santa Fe has struggled coming out of halftime with no third-quarter production so far. South Gate, meanwhile, closes strong in the fourth quarter, averaging double digits late in games.
Key Team Statistics
Santa Fe Chiefs (Offense/Defense):
- Total Points: 36 through 2 games
- Average Tackles: 46.5 per game
- Sacks: 0.5 per game
South Gate Rams (Offense/Defense):
- Rushing Yards: 90.0 per game
- Passing Yards: 218.0 per game
- Receiving Yards: 218.0 per game
- Total Offense: 308.0 yards per game
- Tackles: 47.5 per game
- Sacks: 5.5 per game
The stat line highlights South Gate’s balanced offense, anchored by a strong passing attack, while Santa Fe is still searching for rhythm, especially in the pass rush where the Rams hold a clear advantage.
Standout Players
Santa Fe Chiefs
- QB Michael Gonzalez (#1): 217.0 passing yards per game, 227.0 total yards per game – clearly the centerpiece of the Chiefs’ offense.
- WR Nicholas Fonseca (#2): 95.5 receiving yards per game – the go-to target in the passing game.
- RB Joshua Navarro (#5): 27.5 rushing yards per game – Santa Fe’s lead rusher.
- LB Joseph Ruiz (#21): 8.5 tackles per game – sets the tone defensively.
- DL Jonathan Borjon (#50): 0.5 sacks per game – looking to disrupt the pocket.
- WR Damian Perez-Valenzuela (#27): 2.0 points per game – a scoring threat when given opportunities.
South Gate Rams
- WR Edward Castro (#11): 2.5 sacks per game – unusual for a skill position number but disruptive defensively.
- LB Carlos Santana (#13): 7.5 tackles per game – one of the defensive leaders.
- Offensive skill stats are not fully available, but South Gate’s 308 total yards per game speaks to a well-rounded attack.
South Gate’s defensive numbers, especially in sacks, could make life difficult for Santa Fe quarterback Michael Gonzalez if protection breaks down.
Record Breakdown
Santa Fe Chiefs (1-1):
- Overall: 1-1
- Home: 1-1
- Away: 0-0
- League Play: 0-0
- Non-League: 1-1
South Gate Rams (1-1):
- Overall: 1-1
- Home: 1-0
- Away: 0-1
- League Play: 0-0
- Non-League: 1-1
Neither team has yet played a league opponent, so these early matchups are crucial in building confidence and momentum for when conference play begins.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
- Head-to-Head: No recent meetings recorded.
- Common Opponents: None listed for the 2025 season.
This game offers a fresh matchup without recent history, making it even more intriguing. Both teams will be looking to make a statement against an unfamiliar opponent.
Keys to Victory
For Santa Fe Chiefs:
- Protect quarterback Michael Gonzalez against South Gate’s strong pass rush.
- Improve third-quarter scoring to maintain momentum.
- Limit turnovers and keep drives alive with balanced play calling.
For South Gate Rams:
- Keep applying pressure defensively, especially in the trenches.
- Maintain offensive balance to prevent Santa Fe from keying on the pass.
- Use the home crowd energy to start fast and control the tempo.
What to Expect
The Santa Fe vs South Gate matchup looks evenly balanced on paper, but South Gate’s passing attack and defensive pressure might tilt the game in their favor. Santa Fe’s success will depend heavily on quarterback Michael Gonzalez’s ability to deliver under pressure and find Nicholas Fonseca downfield.
Both teams are seeking to establish themselves early in the season, and with no conference implications, this game is all about building confidence. Expect a spirited battle where turnovers, big plays, and second-half execution decide the outcome.
Final Thoughts
When the Santa Fe Chiefs travel to face the South Gate Rams on Friday night, fans can anticipate a physical, hard-fought game that could go either way. Both programs sit at 1-1, and with momentum at stake, the winner will take a key step toward a successful season.
This matchup has all the ingredients of a California high school football thriller: strong quarterback play, aggressive defenses, and a Friday night stage under the lights.
👉 Stay tuned to HS Football Insider’s California section for updates, scores, and more coverage of high school football across the state.
