The 2025 high school football season continues its early fireworks as the La Mirada (CA) Matadores host the Troy (Fullerton, CA) Warriors in a much-anticipated non-conference showdown tonight at 7 p.m. Both teams enter the matchup undefeated, making this contest a tantalizing preview of what could be a season-defining game for Orange County and surrounding area fans.
Troy vs La Mirada Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Troy vs La Mirada
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
This head-to-head battle, Troy vs La Mirada, promises a fast-paced, physical game as each squad looks to prove its dominance early in the season. Fans can follow all the action live and keep up with the latest California high school football updates through HS Football Insider’s California section.
Team Overview: La Mirada Matadores
The La Mirada Matadores have opened the 2025 campaign with a 1-0 record, claiming a convincing victory in their season opener. Their offense has demonstrated a balanced approach, capable of punishing teams both on the ground and through the air.
Offensive Strengths
La Mirada’s rushing game has been particularly impressive, averaging 290 yards per game—a figure that places them well above the national average. Senior running back Ismael Garcia (#22) has led the charge with 237 rushing yards per game, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic backs in the region. His vision, speed, and ability to break tackles make him a constant threat on every down.
In the passing game, Ace Faagata (#8) has been the go-to quarterback, completing passes for 29 yards per game, connecting consistently with receivers like Kaiden Wardlow (#3), who has averaged 29 receiving yards per game. While La Mirada leans heavily on the ground game, their passing attack remains effective in stretching defenses and opening up lanes for Garcia.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, La Mirada has allowed only 16 points per game, showcasing a disciplined unit that limits big plays and forces opponents into mistakes. Their secondary is opportunistic, and the defensive front has shown early signs of being able to pressure the quarterback despite not recording sacks in their opener.
The Matadores’ ability to control the tempo on both sides of the ball is one reason they enter this matchup with confidence against Troy.
Team Overview: Troy Warriors
The Troy Warriors, hailing from Fullerton, CA, also come into this matchup with a perfect 1-0 record. Troy has shown offensive explosiveness, scoring 35 points in their season opener, and has combined a powerful ground game with an efficient passing attack.
Offensive Strengths
Troy’s offensive attack is led by Ethan Mundt (#5), who has been a one-man wrecking crew with 144 rushing yards per game and 146 total yards per game. Mundt’s ability to gain tough yards between the tackles and break outside for explosive runs makes him the cornerstone of Troy’s offense.
Quarterback Andrew Acuna (#13) has added balance with 59 passing yards per game, while receiver Noah Tapia (#9) contributes 25 receiving yards per game. Although Troy’s passing stats don’t jump off the page, their quick-strike offense combined with a dominant rushing attack has proven effective.
Defensive Insights
Troy’s defense is equally formidable, allowing 21 points per game in their opener. The Warriors’ defensive unit is aggressive, with Roy Bouakar (#20) registering 1 sack per game, and Ethan Mundt also contributing 7 tackles per game, highlighting his dual-threat capability on both sides of the ball. Their tackling efficiency and ability to contain explosive plays will be tested by La Mirada’s high-powered rushing attack.
Head-to-Head and Matchup Analysis
The matchup between Troy vs La Mirada is particularly compelling because both teams enter with similar records but contrasting styles.
- Troy’s Approach: Ground-heavy offense, physical defensive front, efficient in short-yardage situations.
- La Mirada’s Approach: Balanced rushing and passing game, opportunistic defense, strong tempo control.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Trends
Looking at each team’s scoring distribution offers insight into potential strategies:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy | 7 | 6 | 0 | 22 | 35 |
| La Mirada | 7 | 0 | 7 | 20 | 34 |
Both teams have shown a tendency to finish strong in the fourth quarter, suggesting a likely intense closing period in tonight’s matchup. Troy’s explosive late-quarter scoring and La Mirada’s balanced attack will create a nail-biting finish for fans in attendance.
Key Players to Watch
For La Mirada:
- Ismael Garcia (#22, RB): Nationally ranked for rushing yards, the heart of the Matadores’ ground game.
- Ace Faagata (#8, QB): The quarterback capable of key plays when the game is on the line.
- Kaiden Wardlow (#3, WR): Reliable target, crucial in third-down conversions.
For Troy:
- Ethan Mundt (#5, RB/LB): Dual-threat star, a game-changer on both offense and defense.
- Andrew Acuna (#13, QB): Steady hands in the pocket, capable of big plays downfield.
- Noah Tapia (#9, WR): Speed and agility make him a dangerous deep threat.
This clash will likely come down to which team’s star players can rise to the occasion in crunch time.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Troy | La Mirada |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 189 | 290 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 59 | 55 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 54 | 63 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 248 | 345 |
| Tackles Per Game | 45 | – |
| Sacks Per Game | 2 | – |
La Mirada has a clear edge in total yards and rushing yards, whereas Troy has a slightly higher defensive impact through tackles and sacks. This contrast sets the stage for a classic showdown of power versus balance.
Coaching Strategies and Game Plan
La Mirada Matadores
Head coach will likely emphasize controlling the clock and exploiting mismatches in the running game. Using Garcia as the focal point, La Mirada will try to wear down Troy’s defensive line while keeping the passing game as a threat to prevent stacking the box. Defensive adjustments will focus on containing Mundt and pressuring Acuna into mistakes.
Troy Warriors
Troy’s coaching staff will likely focus on leveraging Mundt’s versatility. Expect play-action passes and misdirection plays to open running lanes, while the defense aims to force turnovers and capitalize on La Mirada mistakes. Special teams could play a decisive role given the likely close score scenario.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere
Games like Troy vs La Mirada are more than just football contests—they’re community events. With both teams undefeated, tonight’s game is expected to draw a large, energetic crowd. La Mirada’s home field advantage may factor heavily as fans cheer on the Matadores, creating an electric environment that can influence momentum swings on the field.
Historical Context and Significance
While Troy vs La Mirada doesn’t have a long-standing rivalry history, each team’s early-season performance raises stakes. Victories in such non-conference games often set the tone for the remainder of the season, impacting playoff positioning and statewide recognition.
For fans and players alike, tonight’s showdown is a chance to establish dominance and make a statement in the California high school football landscape.
Prediction Factors
Several factors could determine the outcome:
- Running Game Efficiency: Can La Mirada’s ground attack overcome Troy’s disciplined defense?
- Big Plays: Which team can capitalize on explosive offensive moments?
- Turnovers: A key interception or fumble recovery could swing momentum in a game likely to remain close.
- Fourth Quarter Execution: Both teams have shown strong late-quarter scoring. Execution under pressure will be vital.
Where to Follow Live Updates
For real-time updates, scores, and in-depth analysis of Troy vs La Mirada, fans should follow HS Football Insider’s California coverage. Live commentary and post-game recaps will provide complete coverage of this exciting non-conference matchup.
Conclusion
Tonight’s game between the Troy Warriors and La Mirada Matadores promises a high-octane, closely contested battle. Both teams enter undefeated and packed with talented players, making the outcome difficult to predict. Fans in attendance, as well as those following online, are guaranteed an intense, hard-fought contest.
As the 2025 season unfolds, games like Troy vs La Mirada highlight the best of California high school football—athleticism, strategy, and community spirit converging in one thrilling evening of sport.
Stay tuned to HS Football Insider for the latest updates, game highlights, and expert analysis of all California high school football events.
