The Valley Oaks CES (Sun Valley, CA) varsity football team is set to host Tehillah Christian Academy (Bakersfield, CA) tonight at 7 p.m. in a non-conference matchup. Fans can look forward to an exciting evening of high school football, with both teams showcasing skill, determination, and competitive spirit under the lights.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: California High School Football
- Who: Valley Oaks CES vs Tehillah Christian
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Tehillah Christian Academy at Valley Oaks CES Football Preview: 2025 Non-Conference Opener
High school football in Southern California kicks off this week, and Friday night promises excitement for fans in Sun Valley. On Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., the Valley Oaks CES Warriors will host the Tehillah Christian Academy Eagles in a non-conference matchup. This game marks the beginning of the season for both programs, with each team entering at 0-0 and aiming to start strong in 2025.
Despite a lack of historical matchup data, this game presents an intriguing early test for both squads, offering a preview of their strengths, areas for improvement, and potential trajectory for the season.
Game Overview
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Matchup: Tehillah Christian Academy (Bakersfield, CA) @ Valley Oaks CES (Sun Valley, CA)
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Date & Time: Friday, August 22, 2025, @ 7:00 PM
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Location: Valley Oaks CES Stadium, Sun Valley, CA
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Type: Non-conference season opener
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Current Records: Both teams 0-0 (historical 25-26 each)
Team Profiles
Tehillah Christian Academy Eagles
Tehillah Christian Academy comes into the game with a clean slate for the season and a historical record of 25-26. Known for emphasizing fundamentals and a balanced approach, the Eagles typically combine a solid running game with methodical passing.
As an out-of-town team traveling from Bakersfield, the Eagles will face the challenge of playing on the road against a home team in front of a supportive crowd. Early-season cohesion and execution will be critical for establishing offensive rhythm and defensive discipline.
Valley Oaks CES Warriors
Valley Oaks CES, also 25-26 historically, enters the season with similar ambitions. Playing at home provides an advantage as the Warriors can utilize crowd energy and familiarity with their field to execute both offensively and defensively.
The Warriors’ style emphasizes athleticism and speed, aiming to create big plays in space while maintaining strong fundamentals. For a team opening its season, setting a tone early in the first quarter will be vital to control momentum.
Keys to the Game
Tehillah Christian Academy’s Keys
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Limit Mistakes: Playing on the road, turnovers or penalties could quickly swing momentum in favor of the home team.
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Establish the Run: A consistent rushing attack will control the clock and keep the Warriors’ offense off the field.
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Adapt to Speed: Valley Oaks CES may rely on athleticism to generate big plays, so defensive discipline is key.
Valley Oaks CES’s Keys
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Leverage Home Advantage: Utilize crowd energy and field familiarity to create early pressure.
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Exploit Matchups: Spread the field and take advantage of mismatches with quick passes and agile ball carriers.
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Finish Drives: Maximizing red-zone opportunities and converting turnovers into points will be essential.
X-Factors
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Quarterback Play: Both teams are expected to rely on their quarterbacks to manage the offense efficiently. Decision-making, ball security, and accuracy will likely influence the game’s outcome.
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Special Teams: Field position, kickoffs, and returns could have a significant impact, especially in a tight matchup.
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Conditioning: August heat in Southern California could be a factor late in the game, favoring the better-conditioned team.
What’s at Stake
While this is a non-conference matchup and the first game of the season, the stakes are meaningful:
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Tehillah Christian Academy: A road victory over a home team like Valley Oaks CES would boost confidence, validate preseason preparation, and establish early momentum.
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Valley Oaks CES: Winning at home would energize the program, validate the Warriors’ strategy and rankings, and provide a psychological edge moving forward.
Additionally, both teams are motivated to move above their historical 25-26 record, making a season-opening victory especially significant.
Community Atmosphere
Valley Oaks CES is expected to provide an energetic environment with students, parents, and alumni creating a supportive backdrop for the home team. The marching band, cheer squad, and spirited crowd will play an essential role in motivating the Warriors and potentially influencing momentum.
Tehillah Christian Academy will likely bring supporters from Bakersfield, adding competitive energy to the stands. This matchup promises community involvement from both sides, contributing to the high-energy atmosphere typical of Southern California high school football.
Predictions
Based on home-field advantage, style of play, and team cohesion, Valley Oaks CES enters as a slight favorite. Tehillah Christian Academy is expected to remain competitive early, but the Warriors’ familiarity with the field and ability to exploit mismatches may allow them to gain control in the second half.
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Predicted Score: Valley Oaks CES 28, Tehillah Christian Academy 20
Expect a close first half, with both teams having opportunities to score, but the Warriors’ home advantage and early-season preparation may ultimately provide the edge in the fourth quarter.
Long-Term Outlook
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If Tehillah Christian Academy Wins: A road victory could set the tone for the season, providing confidence and credibility as they begin league play.
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If Valley Oaks CES Wins: Starting the season with a home victory would create momentum, validate preseason work, and establish the Warriors as a team to watch in their section.
Regardless of the outcome, both teams will gain insights into player performance, offensive and defensive execution, and team cohesion. Early-season matchups like this are critical for shaping a team’s identity and evaluating areas of improvement for future games.
Conclusion
The Tehillah Christian Academy Eagles vs. Valley Oaks CES Warriors matchup may not draw national attention, but it encapsulates the excitement and energy of high school football in Southern California. With identical historical records, contrasting styles, and the competitive edge of home-field advantage, fans can expect a spirited contest.
Tehillah Christian Academy will aim to demonstrate discipline, resilience, and execution on the road, while Valley Oaks CES will leverage speed, athleticism, and home support to seize control. The 2025 season begins with a game that highlights the fundamentals, talent, and competitive spirit of both programs.
