The California high school football season is heating up, and tonight’s spotlight falls on Saugus vs Oak Park in a non-conference showdown under the Friday night lights. Scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7 p.m., Oak Park will host the contest as they look to bounce back from a tough opening loss, while Saugus enters with momentum after a strong Week 1 performance.
Saugus vs Oak Park Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Saugus vs Oak Park
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
Fans can secure digital tickets for Saugus @ Oak Park through GoFan, ensuring easy access to one of the more intriguing early-season matchups in Southern California.
For more coverage of matchups like this one and other California high school football action, check out the full schedule and updates on California High School Football.
Game Preview: Two Teams with Different Starts
The Saugus Centurions (1-0) come into this game riding high after a 35-16 victory over Buena Park in their opener. The win highlighted both their offensive firepower and their defensive balance, giving them confidence heading into this non-league test.
The Oak Park Eagles (0-1), on the other hand, are still searching for their rhythm after dropping their first game of the year. Despite putting up 28 points, the Eagles allowed 45, leaving their defense with work to do against a Centurions squad that proved efficient on both sides of the ball last week.
Rankings and Records
Here’s how the teams stack up nationally, in the state of California, and within their section:
- Saugus Centurions
- National Rank: 4,483
- California Rank: 296
- Section Rank: 133
- Overall Record: 1-0 (1.000 win percentage)
- Points For: 35
- Points Allowed: 16
- Oak Park Eagles
- National Rank: 4,348
- California Rank: 285
- Section Rank: 130
- Section Division: 10
- Overall Record: 0-1 (.000 win percentage)
- Points For: 28
- Points Allowed: 45
Although Oak Park holds a slight edge in the state and national rankings, Saugus enters with momentum and the cleaner statistical profile after Week 1.
Scoring Trends
Saugus displayed a clear scoring rhythm against Buena Park, coming alive after a quiet first quarter:
- Q1: 0 points
- Q2: 22 points
- Q3: 6 points
- Q4: 7 points
- Final: 35 points
Oak Park, meanwhile, put up 28 points in their opening game, but the exact quarter-by-quarter scoring breakdown is not available. What is known is that their offense showed signs of explosiveness, but defensive lapses cost them.
Offensive and Defensive Comparison
When breaking down the numbers, Saugus and Oak Park show very different offensive styles:
- Saugus Offense
- Rushing: 95 yards per game
- Passing: 202 yards per game
- Total: 297 yards per game
- Oak Park Offense
- Rushing: 258 yards per game
- Passing: 0 yards per game
- Total: 258 yards per game
The contrast is clear: Saugus relies on a balanced attack with a strong passing game, while Oak Park leans heavily on the run. If the Eagles are forced into passing situations, they’ll need to prove they can diversify their offense against a Centurions defense that tallied 59 tackles last week.
Defensively, Saugus averages 59 tackles per game, compared to Oak Park’s 42 tackles per game. That gap could prove significant if Saugus’ defense continues to swarm to the ball.
Key Players to Watch
Saugus Centurions
- Ty Hall (#1) – 86 rushing yards per game. Hall provides the ground balance that prevents defenses from overcommitting to the pass.
- Jake Nuttall (#9) – 197 passing yards per game and 173 total yards. The Centurions’ offensive leader, Nuttall sets the tone with his arm and decision-making.
- Landon Lattimore (#17) – 62 receiving yards per game. A reliable target who stretches defenses vertically.
- Bryan Espinoza (#21) – 10 tackles per game. The defensive anchor, Espinoza plays a key role in stopping the run and reading plays.
Oak Park Eagles
- Nevada Ford (#9) – 103 rushing yards per game and 118 total yards. Ford is the workhorse of the Eagles’ offense and will need another big performance.
- Bridger Weir (#0) – 37 receiving yards per game and 13 tackles. A two-way contributor, Weir provides versatility on both sides of the ball.
- Grayson Auzat (#5) – Listed as a passer but recorded zero passing yards in the opener. Oak Park will likely need him to develop as a passing threat moving forward.
The matchup may come down to whether Oak Park can establish Ford on the ground without becoming one-dimensional, and whether Saugus’ balanced offense can keep Oak Park’s defense guessing.
Common Opponent Outlook
Saugus already faced Buena Park this season, winning decisively 35-16. Oak Park is scheduled to meet Buena Park later in the year on October 17, 2025, which may provide a benchmark comparison for both programs.
For now, Saugus holds the upper hand in common-opponent performance.
Head-to-Head History
Interestingly, there’s no recent head-to-head history between Saugus vs Oak Park, at least within the provided data. That makes tonight’s matchup even more compelling, as it sets the stage for a fresh rivalry moment between two programs hungry to prove themselves early in the season.
What’s at Stake
- For Saugus: A chance to move to 2-0, keep momentum alive, and further prove they can compete beyond their section level. Another win would also bolster their state ranking.
- For Oak Park: An opportunity to bounce back, defend their home turf, and even their record at 1-1. A loss would drop them to 0-2, which could set a difficult tone for the season ahead.
Final Word
The Saugus vs Oak Park matchup presents a classic clash of styles: Saugus with its balanced passing attack and disciplined defense, and Oak Park with its heavy ground game and physical rushing presence.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Oak Park High School, and both fanbases will be eager to see how their teams respond in Week 2.
Fans unable to attend in person can stay updated through scoretrackers, with Johnnie McDow reporting live for the Centurions. Oak Park is still seeking a dedicated reporter for in-game updates.
Whether this game turns into a defensive battle or an offensive showcase may depend on which side can control the pace early. One thing is certain: tonight’s meeting adds another exciting chapter to the California high school football season, and both teams will have something to prove.