The high school football scene in California kicks off another promising week as the Desert Hot Springs Golden Eagles prepare to host the Xavier Prep Saints on Friday, August 29, at 7:00 p.m. in what promises to be a thrilling non-conference matchup. Both teams enter the game undefeated, setting the stage for a clash that could define early-season momentum for each squad.

Xavier Prep vs Desert Hot Springs Football Game Info:

What: California High School Football
Who: Xavier Prep vs Desert Hot Springs
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here

Fans looking to catch the action in person can purchase digital tickets through GoFan, while those unable to attend can watch the live broadcast on the NFHS Network. This game not only offers an exciting showdown on the field but also provides an opportunity for spectators to witness the rising talent and strategic plays shaping the local high school football landscape.

Teams Overview

Xavier Prep Saints

Xavier Prep, hailing from Palm Desert, CA, comes into this matchup with a perfect 1-0 record. The Saints have been impressive in their opening game, posting a 46-14 victory that highlighted their balanced offensive attack and disciplined defense. Their scoring came in bursts, with 23 points in the second quarter, 7 in the third, and a strong 16 points in the fourth, showcasing their ability to maintain pressure throughout the game.

The Saints average 254 rushing yards and 60 passing yards per game, translating into 314 total yards per outing. On the defensive side, Xavier Prep is making 43 tackles per game and recording an impressive 7 sacks, demonstrating a strong front line capable of disrupting opposing offenses. The Saints currently average 32 points per game, signaling their offensive efficiency and playmaking ability.

Key players for Xavier Prep include:

• Anderson Acosta (#23) – Leading the team with 92 rushing yards per game.
• Kingston Pellum (#5) – Quarterback and playmaker, contributing 60 passing yards and 147 total yards per game. Pellum also leads in scoring with 12 points per game.
• Anthony Creek-Pellum (#2) – Top receiver with 46 receiving yards per game.

The Saints’ next few games will test their consistency, as they travel to face Cathedral City on September 12 and Yucca Valley on September 19 before returning home for a matchup against Shadow Hills on October 30.

Desert Hot Springs Golden Eagles

The Golden Eagles, representing Desert Hot Springs, CA, enter the matchup with an identical 1-0 record. Desert Hot Springs claimed a 32-14 win in their opening game, demonstrating a powerful start to their season. They managed to score 12 points in the first quarter and 20 in the second, though the Saints’ strong fourth-quarter surge in their opening game may be a preview of the challenge Desert Hot Springs will face this week.

Desert Hot Springs averages 160 rushing yards per game and 163 passing yards, contributing to a total of 323 yards per game. Their defense records 42 tackles per game and 2 sacks, reflecting a solid, disciplined defensive unit. Offensively, they match up well with Xavier Prep, averaging 30 points per game, ensuring a competitive scoring battle.

Key Golden Eagles players include:

• Dominick Ambal (#1) – Their standout rusher with 107 yards per game, placing him among the national leaders.
• Jaylen Turner (#7) – Contributing 153 passing yards per game, leading the aerial attack.
• Jesus Valenzuela (#11) – Their top receiving threat, averaging 85 receiving yards per game.
• Isaiah Flenor (#17) – Defensive leader, contributing 7 tackles and 2 sacks per game.

Desert Hot Springs will also face challenging matchups in the coming weeks. They host Cathedral City on October 31 and Yucca Valley on September 26, with additional games including Shadow Hills on September 12. These contests will test their ability to sustain performance against quality opponents in the early season.

Statistical Matchup

When comparing the two teams statistically, Xavier Prep and Desert Hot Springs are closely matched. Both teams have strong offensive production and efficient scoring. Xavier Prep’s rushing game is notably stronger at 254 yards per game compared to Desert Hot Springs’ 160, while the Golden Eagles slightly edge in passing with 163 yards per game versus the Saints’ 60. Total yardage is nearly even, with Desert Hot Springs averaging 323 yards and Xavier Prep 314.

Defensively, Xavier Prep has the advantage in sacks, registering 7 per game compared to 2 for the Golden Eagles, though tackles per game are nearly identical (43 for Xavier Prep, 42 for Desert Hot Springs). Both teams average just over 30 points per game, ensuring a high-scoring and exciting contest is likely.

Special teams and less visible contributions like pancake blocks are also worth noting. Desert Hot Springs has recorded 2 pancake blocks so far this season, while Xavier Prep’s leader in this category, Daniel Ramirez, has contributed 1. These details, though small, often have a big impact on controlling line play and opening up offensive opportunities.

Key Storylines

Quarterback Matchups

Kingston Pellum’s role as quarterback for Xavier Prep will be critical. Pellum is not only responsible for orchestrating the Saints’ passing attack but also contributes significantly to the rushing game. His dual-threat capabilities can challenge Desert Hot Springs’ defense, which has shown strong tackling but fewer sacks.

Meanwhile, Desert Hot Springs’ passing game, led by Jaylen Turner, has averaged 153 yards per game. Their ability to connect with Jesus Valenzuela in the passing game could be a decisive factor, especially if the Saints focus on stopping Ambal in the run game.

Running Game vs. Run Defense

Anderson Acosta of Xavier Prep and Dominick Ambal of Desert Hot Springs will likely be key to establishing momentum early. Acosta’s 92 yards per game will test the Golden Eagles’ run defense, while Ambal’s 107 yards per game is a formidable challenge for the Saints’ defensive front. Watching which team can dominate the ground game may provide clues to the final outcome.

Momentum and Morale

Both teams start the season at 1-0, which means confidence is high, but any mistakes could quickly shift momentum. The Golden Eagles have the advantage of playing at home, giving them crowd support that can sway key plays. Xavier Prep, traveling from Palm Desert, will need disciplined execution to overcome this home-field edge.

Early Season Rankings and Outlook

Xavier Prep and Desert Hot Springs are beginning the season with strong performances. While national and California-specific rankings may adjust as more games are played, a victory on Friday could establish either team as a frontrunner in their section. Both squads have a mix of offensive firepower and defensive capability, so the matchup offers a preview of which team is more capable of sustaining a deep run this season.

Watching the Game

Fans can follow Xavier Prep @ Desert Hot Springs by purchasing digital tickets on GoFan or streaming the game live on the NFHS Network. Additionally, the match will have live scoretracking, with local reporters like Tylyn Blaylock covering the Golden Eagles for those who want up-to-the-minute updates.

This matchup is more than just a single game; it’s a test of early-season strategy, execution, and resilience. Players, coaches, and fans alike will be looking closely to see how both teams perform under pressure.

Looking Ahead

Following Friday’s contest, Xavier Prep will face Cathedral City and Yucca Valley on the road, then return home for Shadow Hills. Desert Hot Springs has a similar trajectory, with upcoming games against Yucca Valley and Cathedral City before hosting Shadow Hills. Both teams will be eager to maintain momentum and strengthen their records, making this early matchup a key indicator of their season trajectory.

The Xavier Prep Saints visiting the Desert Hot Springs Golden Eagles on August 29 promises a highly competitive, fast-paced, and entertaining game. Both teams bring strong offensive and defensive numbers to the field, making the outcome difficult to predict. Fans should expect highlight-reel plays, strategic battles in the trenches, and star performances from players like Kingston Pellum, Anderson Acosta, and Dominick Ambal.

With tickets available online and live streaming provided, there’s no excuse for missing this early-season clash that could set the tone for both teams’ campaigns. For more California high school football coverage, match updates, and stats, visit California High School Football Events.

Whether you’re cheering for the Saints or the Golden Eagles, Friday night football in Desert Hot Springs is shaping up to be unmissable.