The Notre Dame (Riverside, CA) varsity football team is set to host Western Christian (Upland, CA) in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup on Friday, August 29, at 7:00 PM. Fans eager to witness this early-season showdown can secure their digital tickets through GoFan, ensuring a spot in the stands for what promises to be an engaging Friday night contest.

Western Christian vs Notre Dame Football Game Info:

What: California High School Football
Who: Western Christian vs Notre Dame
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here

This game marks a critical opportunity for both squads as they aim to solidify their early-season momentum. Western Christian enters the contest undefeated at 1-0, boasting an impressive victory in their opening matchup. Notre Dame, conversely, is searching for its first win after a tough start to the season, carrying a 0-1 record into this game.

Team Overview: Western Christian Fighting Lancers

Western Christian, known as the Fighting Lancers, comes into this matchup with a strong early-season performance. After scoring 56 points in their season opener while allowing just six, the Lancers have demonstrated a potent offense and disciplined defense. Their commanding win reflects a team capable of executing under pressure, showing balance across both rushing and passing plays.

Key contributors for Western Christian include standout player Aiden Santana, who leads the team with 25 rushing yards per game and 65 passing yards per game. Santana’s dual-threat capabilities make him a central figure in the Lancers’ offensive strategy. On the receiving end, Ayden Parra has already made an impact, averaging 33 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Johnathon Medrano tops the team with four tackles per game, highlighting Western Christian’s ability to contain opposing offenses.

From a statistical standpoint, Western Christian has averaged 93 total yards per game and 21 tackles per game. While these numbers reflect just one contest, they hint at a team with a balanced approach that can adjust its game plan based on the opponent.

Team Overview: Notre Dame Titans

The Notre Dame Titans, hosting Western Christian at home, are looking to bounce back from an opening-game setback. Riverside-based Notre Dame struggled in their first outing, scoring zero points while conceding 68, a result that exposed areas for improvement on both sides of the ball.

Notre Dame’s challenge lies in developing offensive momentum while shoring up defensive vulnerabilities. While team leaders are still emerging, the Titans’ coaching staff is focused on refining game strategy, particularly in rushing and passing efficiency. The opening loss provides valuable insights that can guide tactical adjustments against a well-prepared Western Christian squad.

Statistical Comparison

A comparison of early-season team stats highlights the contrasting profiles of these two programs. Western Christian has demonstrated offensive efficiency, averaging 56 points per game, while Notre Dame has struggled to generate scoring opportunities. On the defensive end, Western Christian has limited opponents to minimal yardage and maintained a disciplined tackling approach.

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Western Christian (25.0) vs Notre Dame (28.0)
• Passing Yards Per Game: Western Christian (65.0) vs Notre Dame (65.0)
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Western Christian (33.0) vs Notre Dame (N/A)
• Total Yards Per Game: Western Christian (90.0) vs Notre Dame (93.0)
• Tackles Per Game: Western Christian (4.0) vs Notre Dame (21.0)

While the numbers are still limited, they indicate Western Christian’s early dominance in scoring and individual player performance, setting up an intriguing test for Notre Dame’s defense.

Matchup Dynamics

This game presents a classic non-conference challenge: a team riding high on confidence versus one seeking redemption. Western Christian’s Fighting Lancers will aim to sustain their momentum, relying on the versatility of Santana and Parra to move the ball efficiently. Their balanced approach on both sides of the ball could pose significant problems for the Titans.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, must tighten up defensive schemes and find rhythm in their offensive execution. The Titans’ ability to adapt quickly and exploit matchups will be crucial if they hope to keep pace with a high-scoring Western Christian team.

Player Spotlight

• Aiden Santana (Western Christian): As a dual-threat quarterback, Santana has already proven capable of influencing both the air and ground game. His performance against Notre Dame could define the Lancers’ early-season identity.
• Ayden Parra (Western Christian): Leading the receiving corps, Parra’s ability to make contested catches and generate yardage after reception adds a key dimension to Western Christian’s passing attack.
• Johnathon Medrano (Western Christian): Anchoring the defense, Medrano’s tackling efficiency will be vital in containing Notre Dame’s attempts to establish offensive momentum.

Notre Dame’s key contributors are still emerging this season, but individual matchups and team adjustments will likely spotlight players who can step up under pressure, particularly in the running game and secondary coverage.

Historical Context

Although these two programs have not met in recent years, the matchup carries significance for early-season standings and program momentum. Western Christian looks to affirm their non-conference prowess, while Notre Dame hopes to use the home-field advantage to reverse their opening-week fortunes.

Fan Experience and Accessibility

Fans attending Western Christian @ Notre Dame can expect a vibrant atmosphere. The home crowd in Riverside is eager to witness the Titans’ bounce-back effort, while traveling supporters from Upland aim to energize the Fighting Lancers’ performance. Digital tickets are available through GoFan, streamlining access for fans and providing a convenient way to secure seating.

Strategic Considerations

Coaches from both sides will focus on key matchups and in-game adjustments. For Western Christian, sustaining offensive rhythm and minimizing turnovers will be crucial. Notre Dame must prioritize defensive containment and establish an effective running game to balance the attack. Special teams performance could also influence the outcome, particularly in a matchup where early scoring can dictate game flow.

Early Predictions and Takeaways

While it is too early in the season to draw long-term conclusions, several early takeaways are evident:

• Western Christian has momentum and confidence following a dominant opener.
• Notre Dame faces immediate pressure to respond and prove resilience.
• Key player performances, particularly from Western Christian’s Santana and Parra, may dictate the outcome.
• Tactical adjustments and in-game adaptability will be decisive for the Titans.

Both teams have something to prove in this early-season contest. For Western Christian, maintaining a perfect record strengthens program credibility and builds morale. For Notre Dame, a victory could signal the start of a turnaround, building momentum heading into league play.

Conclusion

The matchup between Western Christian and Notre Dame promises a compelling non-conference football game. With contrasting records and contrasting early-season narratives, the game will showcase competitive high school football at its finest. Fans should anticipate a battle that tests offensive schemes, defensive discipline, and individual talent.

For fans in California, this game is part of a broader landscape of high school football excitement, and additional coverage for events across the state can be explored at California High School Football.

As the Fighting Lancers travel to Riverside and the Titans aim to defend their home turf, one thing is certain: Friday night football is back, and Western Christian vs Notre Dame is poised to deliver an engaging, action-packed contest.