High school football fans in Nevada and Utah will turn their attention to Centennial vs Desert Hills this Friday, August 29, 2025, as two programs from neighboring states square off under the lights in St. George, Utah. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. local time, with Desert Hills hosting the Bulldogs in a non-conference showdown.
Matchup: Centennial vs Desert Hills
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here
The matchup carries plenty of intrigue. Centennial enters the game still searching for its first win of the season, while Desert Hills has already split its opening two contests. Both teams will be looking to establish consistency early in the year, making this clash a valuable opportunity to gain momentum.
Team Records and Rankings
Centennial Bulldogs (0-1)
Centennial began the season with a tough start, falling 52-0 in its opener. The Bulldogs hold a 0-1 overall record and remain winless both in league and non-league play. Ranked No. 2,700 nationally and No. 11 in Nevada Division 11, the team faces an uphill climb but has an opportunity to prove itself against a strong opponent.
Desert Hills Thunder (1-1)
Desert Hills comes into this game with a 1-1 record, bouncing back at home after an opening road loss. Ranked No. 806 nationally, 29th in Utah, and 6th in their class, the Thunder have shown flashes of balance but need to improve on both ends of the field. They have scored 27 points across two games while giving up 71 points, highlighting both their scoring potential and defensive vulnerabilities.
Scoring Averages
- Centennial Bulldogs:
The Bulldogs were shut out in their first game, leaving them at 0 points per game. Offensive production remains the key issue, as their total yardage so far has been extremely limited. - Desert Hills Thunder:
The Thunder average 13.5 points per game, with scoring spread out mostly across the second half. They have struggled in the opening quarter but tend to settle in as the game progresses, averaging 7 points in the third quarter and 5 points in the fourth.
Offensive and Defensive Comparisons
Category | Centennial | Desert Hills |
---|---|---|
Rushing Yards/Game | 10.0 | 132.0 |
Passing Yards/Game | 28.0 | 113.5 |
Receiving Yards/Game | 28.0 | 103.5 |
Total Yards/Game | 38.0 | 245.5 |
Tackles/Game | 22.0 | 50.5 |
Points/Game | 0.0 | 13.5 |
This comparison shows just how steep the challenge will be for Centennial. The Bulldogs are averaging just 38 total yards per game, while Desert Hills racks up over 245 yards on average. The Thunder also hold a significant edge in defensive pressure, with 50.5 tackles per game compared to Centennial’s 22.
Key Players to Watch
Centennial Bulldogs
- Ashton Hunt (#4, RB): Leads the Bulldogs with 37 rushing yards per game and also tops the team in total yards. Hunt’s ability to establish a ground presence will be crucial if Centennial hopes to keep the game competitive.
- Oliver Bergstrom (#11, QB): Averaging 28 passing yards per game, Bergstrom needs to find a rhythm in the air to balance Centennial’s offense.
- Elliott Campbell (#5, WR): Targeted in the passing game but averaging only 10 receiving yards per contest, Campbell will need to stretch the field more effectively.
- Maxwell Miles (#8, LB): Defensive leader with 8 tackles per game, giving the Bulldogs a reliable presence on that side of the ball.
Desert Hills Thunder
- Isaac Andresen (#1, RB): A breakout performer with 97 rushing yards per game and 116.5 total yards per game, Andresen is the Thunder’s offensive engine.
- Max Brownstein (#16, QB): Throwing for 103 yards per game, Brownstein provides balance to the offense and keeps defenses honest.
- Koy Duckett (#7, WR): Leading receiver with 32 yards per game, Duckett is a consistent target in the passing game.
- Beau Meredith (#0, LB): Key defensive playmaker averaging 7.5 tackles per game, giving Desert Hills much-needed toughness in the middle.
- Colton Hopper (#39, K): Provides scoring stability, averaging 6 points per game, including extra points and field goals.
Record Breakdown
Centennial
- Overall: 0-1
- League: 0-1
- Home: 0-1
- Away: 0-0
- Points For: 0
- Points Against: 52
Desert Hills
- Overall: 1-1
- League: 0-0
- Home: 1-0
- Away: 0-1
- Points For: 27
- Points Against: 71
The numbers show a clear contrast. Centennial has yet to score and has already surrendered over 50 points, while Desert Hills has at least demonstrated the ability to win at home.
What to Expect
This non-conference game presents two very different situations:
- Centennial is trying to find its identity. Their offense has been stagnant, and their defense hasn’t been able to hold off strong opponents. Improvement in both areas will be critical if they want to make the contest competitive.
- Desert Hills is searching for consistency. The Thunder are capable of explosive plays but have given up too many points early in the season. Expect them to lean heavily on Andresen’s running ability while allowing Brownstein to spread the ball through the air.
Momentum early in the game could be a deciding factor. If Desert Hills establishes control at the line of scrimmage, Centennial could struggle to keep pace.
Final Thoughts
The Centennial vs Desert Hills matchup may appear lopsided statistically, but high school football often delivers surprises. Centennial’s defense will need to step up and slow down Andresen if they hope to hang around. On the other side, Desert Hills will look to build on their home win and showcase their balance between run and pass.
Both programs will benefit from the experience, as early-season non-conference battles test resilience and preparation. For Centennial, it’s about proving growth after a rough opener. For Desert Hills, it’s about protecting home field and gaining momentum before heading deeper into the season.
Fans attending Friday night’s contest in St. George can expect a spirited matchup under the lights, where each team will have a chance to define its path forward.
For more updates on high school football, including other matchups across the country, visit our Massachusetts High School Football section. To track your team and find games in your state, head over to Find Your School.