The St. Joseph (Santa Maria, CA) varsity football team is set to host Tulare Union (Tulare, CA) in a home non-conference showdown tonight at 7 p.m. Both teams are looking to start strong and showcase their talent, promising fans an exciting evening of high school football action under the lights.

Here’s what you need to know:

• What: California High School Football
• Who: St. Joseph vs Tulare Union
• When: Friday, August 22, 2025
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Tulare Union at St. Joseph: Friday Night Football Preview

The 2025 California high school football season kicks off with an exciting non-conference clash as the St. Joseph Knights host the Tulare Union Tribe on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. in Santa Maria. Both teams enter the year with fresh slates, high expectations, and plenty to prove in front of fans eager to see Friday night lights return.

Season Openers

Both Tulare Union and St. Joseph come into this game at 0-0 overall, as neither program has yet taken the field this season. The contest will serve as an important test to measure each squad’s strengths and weaknesses before league play begins.

For Tulare Union, traveling to the Central Coast offers both a challenge and an opportunity. The Tribe finished last season competitive within their section and will be determined to show growth on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, St. Joseph has built a reputation in recent years as one of the Central Section’s stronger programs, and opening at home in Santa Maria gives them a chance to set the tone early.

Rankings Snapshot

• Tulare Union (0-0)

  • National Rank: 2,207

  • California Rank: 173

  • Section Rank: 18

  • Section Division Rank: 12

• St. Joseph (0-0)

  • National Rank: 1,811

  • California Rank: 147

  • Section Rank: 14

  • Section Division Rank: 3

The preseason numbers suggest St. Joseph holds a slight edge, ranked higher both nationally and within California. Still, Tulare Union sits close behind and is capable of competing with any opponent on its schedule.

Common Opponent Outlook

While the season is just beginning, both teams share Hanford as a common opponent later this fall. Tulare Union will travel to Hanford on October 10, while St. Joseph is set to host Hanford on September 5. That shared matchup will provide further context to how both squads measure up, but for now, tonight’s meeting serves as the first real comparison point.

Head-to-Head & Record Breakdown

• All-Time Head-to-Head: 0–0 (no recent meetings on record)

• League Play: Neither team has started league action yet.

• Overall Records (2025): Both 0–0.

• Home/Away: Tulare Union begins on the road, while St. Joseph defends home field.

This lack of recent head-to-head history adds intrigue, as both teams step onto the field without a prior measuring stick against each other.

Keys to the Game

For Tulare Union:

• Handle the road environment at Lamonica Stadium confidently.

• Limit mistakes early to avoid giving momentum to the home team.

• Establish an offensive rhythm that can pressure St. Joseph’s defense.

For St. Joseph:

• Take advantage of home-field energy to strike early.

• Showcase the talent that has earned them higher preseason rankings.

• Control the line of scrimmage to keep Tulare Union’s offense in check.

What’s at Stake

Though this is a non-conference opener, it carries weight for both programs. Tulare Union is looking to prove they can go toe-to-toe with higher-ranked competition, while St. Joseph is eager to validate their status as a top-150 team in California and one of the Central Section’s premier squads.

Beyond standings, this matchup sets the tone for the season. A win here can spark momentum heading into September, while a loss provides lessons to learn early before league play intensifies.

Game Outlook

Both teams enter the night with high hopes and clean records, but only one will leave with its first win of 2025. St. Joseph has the rankings edge, home-field advantage, and a history of fielding disciplined, competitive teams. Tulare Union brings determination, athleticism, and the hunger to make a statement in week one.

Fans can expect a spirited battle filled with energy, adjustments, and a preview of two programs with postseason aspirations.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Santa Maria, where Tulare Union and St. Joseph will officially launch their 2025 seasons.