The Northwestern High School (Rock Hill, SC) varsity football team will host Ridge View (Columbia, SC) for a non-conference matchup on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Northwestern vs Ridge View
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Northwestern and Ridge View Set for High-Stakes Clash After Strong Season Starts
As the 2025 high school football season kicks into full gear, two South Carolina powerhouses, Northwestern and Ridge View, are coming off impressive opening-week victories and will soon face off in what promises to be a closely contested matchup.
Season Overview
Both teams are undefeated after Week 1, with Ridge View narrowly edging out a 40-0 victory and Northwestern claiming a 39-7 win. Ridge View boasts a national ranking of 933, while Northwestern holds the state’s top spot at No. 2 in South Carolina, reflecting the high expectations surrounding both programs.
Scoring Breakdown
Ridge View’s scoring has been consistent across the quarters, with explosive first and second quarters (14 and 16 points, respectively) helping them build a dominant 40-point total. Northwestern, meanwhile, has shown a strong finishing ability, scoring double digits in both the first and fourth quarters, nearly matching Ridge View with 39 points.
Offensive and Defensive Insights
The teams approach the game with contrasting offensive strengths. Ridge View relies more on the passing game, averaging 237 passing yards per game compared to 163 rushing yards. Northwestern, however, leans heavily on its ground attack, averaging 223 rushing yards per game, which could create an intriguing strategic battle between Ridge View’s aerial assault and Northwestern’s rushing dominance. Both teams have recorded strong overall yardage, with Ridge View at 400 total yards per game and Northwestern close behind at 386.
Defensively, Ridge View has been aggressive, recording 38 tackles and 2 sacks per game, while Northwestern’s defensive metrics are less detailed but showed effectiveness in limiting their Week 1 opponent to just 7 points.
Key Players to Watch
Ridge View’s offense is led by quarterback Derek (Tre) Howard III, who has averaged 188 passing yards and 206 total yards per game, supported by running back Spencer Bobian (103 rushing yards per game) and receiver Jourdin Mack (110 receiving yards per game).
Northwestern counters with a balanced attack spearheaded by quarterback Xavier Means, who contributes 211 total yards per game, with running back Quay Mobley averaging 118 rushing yards and wideout Kameron Vance adding 90 receiving yards per game. The scoring responsibility is shared, with Mobley leading the team with 18 points per game.
What’s at Stake
Both teams are off to strong starts, and this matchup could serve as an early indicator of who will dominate in South Carolina’s high school football scene this year. With contrasting styles—Ridge View’s passing-heavy offense versus Northwestern’s power rushing—fans can expect a strategic, hard-fought contest.
The game also carries in-state significance, as both teams aim to assert dominance over local competition and build momentum for league play. With undefeated records on the line, this showdown is shaping up to be one of the most exciting early-season games in the state.
