The Venice (Los Angeles, CA) varsity football team will host St. Monica (Santa Monica, CA) tonight at 7 p.m. in a non-conference matchup. Both teams are eager to start the season strong, promising fans an exciting evening of high school football filled with skillful plays, determination, and spirited competition under the lights.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What: California High School Football
- Who: Venice vs St. Monica
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
St. Monica at Venice Football Preview: 2025 Non-Conference Opener
High school football returns to the Los Angeles area this Friday, and the first week of the season brings a notable non-conference clash between the St. Monica Mariners and the Venice Gondoliers. The matchup will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., with Venice hosting the game at their home stadium.
Both teams enter the season with 0-0 records and historical records of 25-26 overall, highlighting a shared ambition to rise above mediocrity and start the season on a strong note. With rankings and team styles differing slightly, this opener promises a competitive contest that could set the tone for the 2025 season for both programs.
Game Overview
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Matchup: St. Monica Mariners (Santa Monica, CA) @ Venice Gondoliers (Los Angeles, CA)
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Date & Time: Friday, August 22, 2025, @ 7:00 PM
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Location: Venice High School Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
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Type: Non-conference season opener
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Current Records: Both teams 0-0 (historical 25-26 each)
Rankings Snapshot
St. Monica Mariners
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National Rank: 8,757
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California Rank: 594
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Section Rank: 245
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Division Rank: 16
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Overall Record: 25-26
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2025 Record: 0-0
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PF / PA: 0 / 0
St. Monica enters the season as a mid-tier program within California. Their Section 245 ranking reflects a competitive presence within their local classification, though national rankings indicate there is room for improvement. The Mariners’ challenge will be to maintain focus on the road while executing a game plan against a similarly ranked opponent in Venice.
Venice Gondoliers
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National Rank: 6,945
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California Rank: 461
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Section Rank: 8
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Overall Record: 25-26
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2025 Record: 0-0
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PF / PA: 0 / 0
Venice enters the season with stronger rankings both nationally and statewide, suggesting a slight advantage on paper. Their Section 8 ranking indicates that they are considered a competitive program within their section, and their home-field advantage provides an additional edge for this season opener.
Historical Context
Despite geographic proximity, there is no recent recorded head-to-head history between St. Monica and Venice. Both teams share a historical record of 25-26, which underscores the evenly matched nature of the contest.
The lack of a recent rivalry or previous matchups adds an element of unpredictability. Coaches will rely on preseason evaluations, scrimmages, and film analysis to prepare their squads for a team whose tendencies may be less familiar. Openers of this type often favor teams that are disciplined and adaptable.
Team Identities
St. Monica Mariners
The Mariners have historically emphasized a fundamentally sound and disciplined approach to football. Their offense often seeks a balance between running and passing plays, while the defense focuses on minimizing big plays and maintaining consistency throughout the game.
In 2025, St. Monica will need to emphasize ball security, execution, and composure. Playing on the road in Venice, the team must minimize mental errors and capitalize on scoring opportunities to remain competitive.
Venice Gondoliers
Venice is known for speed, athleticism, and opportunistic play. Their offensive strategy often revolves around creating mismatches in open space, generating big plays, and leveraging quick transitions.
At home, the Gondoliers benefit from familiar surroundings and supportive crowds, which can influence momentum and confidence. Starting the season with a strong home victory is essential for establishing team identity and setting a positive tone for the season.
Keys to the Game
St. Monica’s Keys
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Control the Clock: Effective rushing and sustained drives will limit Venice’s offensive opportunities.
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Minimize Errors: Avoiding turnovers and penalties is critical to keeping the game competitive on the road.
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Stay Disciplined: Venice may attempt to create big plays; St. Monica must remain focused and maintain assignments.
Venice’s Keys
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Leverage Home Advantage: Crowd support and familiarity with the field should be used to create momentum early.
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Exploit Speed: Quick ball carriers and wide receivers in open space can generate game-changing plays.
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Finish Drives: Red-zone efficiency and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will likely determine the outcome.
X-Factors
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Quarterback Performance: Both teams rely on leadership from the quarterback position. Efficient play and decision-making will be key.
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Special Teams: Field position, kickoffs, and punts could provide significant momentum shifts.
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Conditioning: August heat in Los Angeles may affect late-game performance, favoring the better-conditioned team.
What’s at Stake
While this game is a non-conference opener, it carries important implications:
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St. Monica: A road win over a slightly higher-ranked opponent would provide early confidence, boost morale, and validate offseason preparation.
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Venice: A home win would assert early dominance, energize the program, and demonstrate readiness for league play.
Both teams are also motivated to start the season strong and move above their historical 25-26 record, adding significance to the opener beyond the standings.
Community Atmosphere
Venice High School is expected to provide a lively and spirited environment for Friday night football. Students, parents, alumni, and community supporters will generate energy for the home team, while St. Monica will likely bring fans from Santa Monica, ensuring competitive engagement in the stands.
The marching band, cheerleaders, and student section will enhance the atmosphere, potentially influencing momentum in a closely contested matchup. Local rivalries, even with no recent history, often bring out the best in players and fans alike.
Predictions
On paper, Venice holds a slight advantage due to higher rankings and home-field benefit. St. Monica, however, is capable of remaining competitive if they execute consistently and avoid mistakes.
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Predicted Score: Venice 27, St. Monica 19
Expect an early period of back-and-forth scoring, with Venice likely gaining control in the second half by leveraging speed, execution, and crowd support. St. Monica’s discipline and balanced approach could keep the game close, particularly in the first half.
Long-Term Outlook
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If St. Monica Wins: A road victory would provide momentum, confidence, and a potential boost in statewide perception.
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If Venice Wins: A home victory establishes early-season credibility, builds confidence, and sets the tone for league competition.
Regardless of the outcome, both teams will gain valuable insights into player performance, team cohesion, and areas for improvement. Early-season matchups like this are critical for evaluating strengths and weaknesses before diving into league play.
Conclusion
The St. Monica Mariners vs. Venice Gondoliers game exemplifies the energy and excitement of high school football in Southern California. Both teams share similar historical records, yet rankings, style, and venue give the contest unique dynamics.
St. Monica aims to showcase resilience, discipline, and effective execution on the road, while Venice looks to capitalize on speed, athleticism, and home support. Fans can expect a competitive, fast-paced, and engaging game that sets the tone for the 2025 season.
