The California high school football season kicks off with an intriguing non-conference matchup as the California Military Institute (CMI) hosts Santa Rosa Academy (SRA) at home this Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. This early-season contest features a pair of squads aiming to assert themselves in the competitive California high school football landscape. Fans can secure digital tickets for the game via GoFan, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for attendees.
Santa Rosa Academy vs California Military Institute Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Santa Rosa Academy vs California Military Institute
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
Team Records and Season Start
Santa Rosa Academy enters this contest riding high after opening the season with a dominant 34-6 victory. The Rangers currently hold a perfect 1-0 record, demonstrating both offensive efficiency and defensive resilience. Their early-season performance has already generated attention in local circles, with key players stepping up in a balanced attack.
California Military Institute, by contrast, faces early-season adversity. The Rough Riders are coming off a 63-7 loss in their season opener, leaving their record at 0-1. The team will look to rebound strongly on their home turf, where they will rely on strategic adjustments and lessons learned from their first game. While the numbers paint a challenging picture, home-field advantage and preparation could provide CMI with the edge they need to make this a competitive matchup.
Scouting Santa Rosa Academy
Santa Rosa Academy (Menifee, CA) boasts a well-rounded roster capable of making plays on both sides of the ball. The Rangers’ opening-week performance showed the team’s offensive versatility. They averaged 188 rushing yards per game, complementing a passing attack that generated 165 yards per game. This dual-threat approach keeps opposing defenses guessing and sets the tone for a balanced offensive game plan.
Receiver Tyler Quaintance has emerged as a key target, averaging 23.5 receiving yards per game. Quarterback and running back Andrew Sharp leads the team with 28 rushing yards, 60 passing yards, and a total of 88 yards per game, illustrating his central role in the team’s offensive schemes. Santa Rosa Academy’s ability to integrate multiple weapons in their attack gives them a tactical advantage heading into Friday’s game.
Defensively, the Rangers are equally disciplined. They average 42 tackles per game and have registered 2 sacks per contest, demonstrating physicality and strong gap discipline. This defensive foundation will be critical against a CMI offense seeking to find rhythm and sustain drives.
Overall, Santa Rosa Academy’s early-season performance suggests the team is firing on all cylinders, blending explosive plays with methodical execution to control games.
Evaluating California Military Institute
The California Military Institute (Perris, CA) Rough Riders have struggled to find their footing this season. After a difficult season opener that saw the team surrender 63 points while scoring only 7, the Rough Riders face an uphill battle against a confident Santa Rosa Academy squad.
Offensively, CMI’s stats for the first game are limited, indicating struggles in both the passing and rushing games. While specific rushing, passing, and receiving averages are not currently available, the team’s total points scored (7) underscores the need for offensive cohesion and creativity to overcome Santa Rosa Academy’s defense.
On the defensive side, CMI must address gaps that allowed their first opponent to generate significant yardage and points. Improvement in tackling fundamentals, containment on outside runs, and pass coverage will be crucial to contain a versatile Rangers attack. Key defensive leaders, if able to elevate their performance, could make the difference in preventing a repeat of the season-opening loss.
This matchup represents both a test and an opportunity for the Rough Riders. Home-field advantage, combined with adjustments from their opening week, provides CMI a chance to reset and potentially surprise a high-flying SRA team.
Key Matchup Analysis
Offensive Showdown
Santa Rosa Academy’s offensive strength will face one of its earliest challenges against a CMI defense seeking redemption. Andrew Sharp’s dual-threat capabilities, combined with Tyler Quaintance’s reliable receiving skills, form the cornerstone of the Rangers’ attack. Their ability to balance rushing and passing will test CMI’s defensive discipline and preparation.
For California Military Institute, the challenge is clear: find offensive rhythm quickly. Any sustained drives will be crucial, as time of possession could limit SRA’s scoring opportunities. Success in the trenches and effective quarterback decision-making will be essential in keeping the Rough Riders competitive.
Defensive Battle
Santa Rosa Academy’s defense, averaging 42 tackles per game, will aim to pressure CMI early and disrupt their offensive timing. Sack production and coverage discipline will be focal points, particularly as the Rangers look to exploit any mismatch.
CMI must tighten their defensive scheme to prevent big plays. While early-season statistics show areas needing improvement, a concentrated effort in tackling, gap control, and limiting explosive plays could help the Rough Riders keep the contest within reach.
Historical Context and Rivalry
While the two programs have yet to establish a long-standing rivalry, this game marks an important early-season clash for both teams. Santa Rosa Academy comes in with momentum, while California Military Institute will aim to set the tone for a stronger season trajectory. Both teams have a history of competing in high-level California high school football environments, and Friday’s game is an opportunity to demonstrate early-season identity and resolve.
Player Spotlight
- Andrew Sharp (SRA, #10) – Sharp’s versatility as both a rusher and passer makes him the linchpin of Santa Rosa Academy’s offensive scheme. His ability to create plays from multiple positions keeps defenses guessing.
- Tyler Quaintance (SRA, #2) – With an impressive 23.5 receiving yards per game, Quaintance is a primary target in SRA’s passing attack and a player capable of turning short opportunities into scoring plays.
- Ryan Peterson (SRA, #5) – Peterson anchors the defense with 5.5 tackles per game, demonstrating consistency in stopping ball carriers and contributing to overall defensive stability.
- Ezekiel Thralls (SRA, #32) – Thralls’ sack production, while modest at 0.5 per game, highlights his ability to generate pressure and disrupt offensive backfields.
For California Military Institute, player-specific statistics are not fully reported. This lack of data underscores the importance of team effort and game-day execution to overcome statistical disadvantages.
Fan Engagement
High school football in California draws passionate crowds, and this matchup promises to be no exception. Supporters from both Menifee and Perris are expected to bring energy to the stadium. With SRA looking to extend its winning start and CMI aiming to rebound from an early setback, the atmosphere is likely to be electric.
Digital ticketing ensures that fans can attend the game conveniently while avoiding long waits. Additionally, live reporting options allow those unable to make the trip to follow the action in real-time, ensuring engagement across the fanbase.
Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Santa Rosa Academy | California Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 1-0 | 0-1 |
| Points Per Game | 34 | 7 |
| Rushing Yards | 188 | – |
| Passing Yards | 165 | – |
| Receiving Yards | 162 | – |
| Total Yards | 353 | – |
| Tackles | 42 | – |
| Sacks | 2 | – |
Santa Rosa Academy clearly holds the statistical advantage, especially in scoring, yardage, and defensive production. CMI’s lack of recorded data from their opening game indicates both challenges and opportunities to improve against a formidable opponent.
Outlook and Predictions
While early-season statistics favor Santa Rosa Academy, California Military Institute possesses the opportunity to rewrite its narrative at home. Key factors that could influence the game include:
- Effective execution in critical situations, especially red-zone opportunities.
- Turnover margin, as early mistakes can swing momentum dramatically.
- Depth and conditioning, particularly for CMI, who will face a high-paced SRA offense.
Fans can expect an intense, competitive contest, with Santa Rosa Academy likely entering as favorites due to offensive efficiency and early-season form. However, the Rough Riders’ familiarity with their home environment and willingness to adjust after a tough start could keep the game within reach.
Final Thoughts
The Santa Rosa Academy vs California Military Institute matchup highlights the excitement of early-season California high school football. Both teams have much at stake: Santa Rosa Academy hopes to reinforce its winning momentum, while CMI looks to establish early confidence and make a statement on home turf.
As kickoff approaches at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, fans can anticipate a contest defined by strategy, athleticism, and high school football passion. For complete coverage of this and other California high school football events, follow California High School Football.
