The Simi Valley vs Shadow Ridge football matchup is shaping up to be an early-season test for both programs as they look to shake off slow starts in 2025. On Friday, August 29 at 6 p.m., the Shadow Ridge Mustangs (Las Vegas, NV) will host the Simi Valley Pioneers (CA) in a non-conference game that could provide each team with a much-needed spark.
Simi Valley vs Shadow Ridge Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Simi Valley vs Shadow Ridge
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 6 PM
Live stream: Watch here
This contest pits two squads still searching for their first win of the year. Simi Valley enters at 0-2, while Shadow Ridge sits at 0-1 after a tough road loss. For both programs, the game is less about standings and more about building confidence, executing their game plans, and establishing momentum for the rest of the season.
Team Records and Rankings
Simi Valley Pioneers (CA)
- Overall Record: 0-2
- Home Record: 0-1
- Away Record: 0-1
- Points For: 28
- Points Against: 69
- National Ranking: 1,274
- California Ranking: 107
Simi Valley has struggled to close out games early in the season, averaging just 14 points per game while surrendering nearly 35 points per game to opponents. The Pioneers are looking to bounce back from consecutive losses to Valencia and Spanish Springs.
Shadow Ridge Mustangs (NV)
- Overall Record: 0-1
- Home Record: 0-0
- Away Record: 0-1
- Points For: 21
- Points Against: 31
- National Ranking: 1,260
- Nevada Ranking: 6
The Mustangs have played just one game so far, falling short in their opener. With no home action yet this season, this matchup marks their first chance to play in front of their home crowd, an energy that could be key in swinging momentum.
Statistical Breakdown
Scoring by Quarter
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simi Valley | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 14.0 |
| Shadow Ridge | 0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 21.0 |
Simi Valley has been consistent but conservative on offense, averaging just 3.5 points per quarter. Shadow Ridge, on the other hand, starts slowly but picks up momentum after the first quarter, which could present matchup problems for the Pioneers if they can’t establish early control.
Yardage Comparison
| Category | Simi Valley | Shadow Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 93.5 | 327.0 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 186.0 | 4.0 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | 186.0 | 4.0 |
| Total Yards/Game | 279.5 | 331.0 |
| Tackles/Game | 73.0 | 52.0 |
| Sacks/Game | 4.0 | 2.0 |
This matchup highlights a sharp contrast in styles:
- Simi Valley leans heavily on the passing game, with quarterback Dawson Armstrong averaging over 100 yards through the air.
- Shadow Ridge thrives on the ground, led by Trevin Young’s dominant rushing attack, producing 327 yards per game as a team.
The Pioneers’ defensive front will need to tighten up to contain Young, while their secondary may find relief against a Mustang passing game that has been largely non-existent so far.
Key Players to Watch
Simi Valley Pioneers
- QB #12 Dawson Armstrong – Averaging 103 passing yards per game, Armstrong’s ability to stretch the field will be critical.
- RB #14 Zane Tryon – Leading the team with 95 rushing yards per game and 111 total yards, Tryon is the focal point of the Pioneers’ offense.
- WR #80 Cole Alejo – With 67.5 receiving yards per game, Alejo is Armstrong’s top target.
- LB #33 Izak Simpson – A defensive leader, posting 8.5 tackles and 2 sacks per game.
Shadow Ridge Mustangs
- RB #29 Trevin Young – The offensive workhorse, averaging 127 rushing yards per game.
- QB #3 Ula Cox – Limited passing production so far (4 yards per game), but remains a dual-threat option.
- WR #17 Jokai Johnson – Has been quiet in the passing game, though the Mustangs may look to expand their air attack.
- LB #31 Aaron Smith – Leading the team with 11 tackles per game, anchoring the defense.
- DL #22 Tikari Dillard – Adding pressure up front with 1 sack.
What Each Team Needs to Do
For Simi Valley
- Contain the Run: Stopping Trevin Young will be the biggest challenge. If the Pioneers’ defensive line can’t hold up, they risk being overpowered on the ground.
- Find Offensive Rhythm Early: Scoring has been steady but too slow. Simi Valley needs to push the pace in the first half.
- Leverage the Passing Game: With Armstrong and Alejo showing chemistry, taking deep shots could open the field.
For Shadow Ridge
- Feed Trevin Young: Their rushing game is their identity. Expect the Mustangs to rely heavily on their running back to control tempo.
- Limit Big Plays: The secondary will need to be sharp against Simi Valley’s passing attack.
- Establish Home Advantage: First home game of the year is an opportunity to energize the team and fan base.
Previous Matchups and History
This will be the first recorded meeting between Simi Valley and Shadow Ridge. Without prior head-to-head results, both teams enter without historical pressure but with equal opportunity to make a statement.
- Common Opponents: None so far this season.
- Playoff Records: Both teams were eliminated early in postseason play last year.
What’s at Stake
Neither program can afford to start the season winless through multiple games. For Simi Valley, dropping to 0-3 would make climbing back toward a winning record even more challenging. For Shadow Ridge, opening their season with two losses—especially one at home—would stall momentum before league play begins.
This non-conference matchup isn’t just about bragging rights across state lines; it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the season.
How to Watch
Fans unable to attend can tune in live via the NFHS Network, which will stream the full game. Coverage begins at kickoff at 6 p.m. PT.
Final Outlook
The Simi Valley vs Shadow Ridge showdown is a clash of styles: a pass-first California squad against a run-heavy Nevada powerhouse. The Pioneers will try to exploit their aerial attack, while the Mustangs look to pound the ball on the ground.
The outcome may come down to which team forces the other out of its comfort zone. If Simi Valley’s defense can slow down the Mustangs’ run game, they’ll have a chance. If Shadow Ridge dominates possession with their rushing attack, the Pioneers could be staring at their third straight loss.
Either way, expect a competitive and physical non-conference battle under the Friday night lights.
