The lights will shine bright this Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7 p.m., as Reno High School in Reno, Nevada, hosts a highly anticipated non-conference matchup between the Reno Wolves and the visiting Foothill Highlanders from Palo Cedro, California. Fans and players alike will be eager to see how these two programs stack up as the early season kicks off.
Matchup: Foothill vs Reno
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here
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Game Context
The Reno Wolves enter this matchup with momentum, sporting a 1-0 record after a narrow 25–19 victory in their season opener. Ranked 3,294 nationally and 15th in Nevada, Reno has already demonstrated a balanced offense and opportunistic defense.
Meanwhile, the Foothill Highlanders will be making their season debut, aiming to establish rhythm against a team that has already played a game. Ranked 2,854 nationally and 214th in California, Foothill is relatively untested this season, adding an element of unpredictability to the matchup.
This contest also represents an exciting out-of-state test for both programs, offering a glimpse of how they perform against unfamiliar opponents.
Statistical Comparison
Although Foothill has yet to post season statistics, Reno’s Week 1 performance provides insight into what to expect on Friday night.
Reno Wolves Week 1 Averages:
- Rushing Yards per Game: 350.0
- Passing Yards per Game: 19.0
- Receiving Yards per Game: 19.0
- Total Yards per Game: 369.0
- Tackles per Game: 47.0
- Sacks per Game: 2.0
- Points per Game: 25.0
Reno’s ability to control the ground game is evident, with nearly all offensive production coming from the rushing attack. Their defense, meanwhile, has shown resilience, allowing only 19 points while limiting opposing teams’ passing options.
Scoring Breakdown – Reno Week 1
- 1st Quarter: 0 points
- 2nd Quarter: 6 points
- 3rd Quarter: 6 points
- 4th Quarter: 13 points
- Final Score: 25 points
Reno demonstrated steady progression throughout the game, finishing strong in the fourth quarter—a trend they will aim to replicate against Foothill.
Key Players to Watch
Reno Wolves
- Jackson Mathews (RB/Defender): Rushing powerhouse with 216 yards per game, also leading in total yards (224) and contributing 13 tackles per game.
- Chase Langbehn (QB): Although not heavily tested through the air, he averaged 19 passing yards per game, managing the offense efficiently.
- Marcus Birnes (WR): Targeted mainly in short-yardage situations, averaging 8 receiving yards per game.
- Eli Sellers (DL): Recorded 1 sack per game, providing pressure and disrupting opposing runners.
Foothill Highlanders
With no official statistics yet this season, Foothill’s key contributors remain to be seen. This matchup will provide the first real test for the Highlanders’ offense and defense, offering a chance for emerging players to establish themselves early.
The lack of recorded statistics for Foothill adds intrigue to the contest. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which players step up in this out-of-state clash.
Records and Matchup Overview
| Team | Overall | Home | Away | Non-League | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foothill | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Reno | 1-0 | 0-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 0-0 |
Reno holds the advantage of experience with one game played and a victory on the road. Foothill’s debut will test their preparation, adaptability, and composure against a team already in competitive form.
Key Storylines
- Out-of-State Challenge for Foothill: Traveling to Nevada for a first game presents a unique set of challenges, including unfamiliar surroundings and a hostile crowd.
- Reno’s Ground Game: The Wolves rely heavily on a dominant rushing attack led by Jackson Mathews. Limiting his effectiveness could be the key to slowing Reno’s offense.
- Season Opener Pressure: Both programs will want to start the season with a statement, making this game more than just a non-conference contest—it’s an opportunity to set a tone for the year.
- Defensive Matchups: Reno’s defense has been stout against early competition, and Foothill will need to find ways to create yardage and control possession.
- Potential Game-Changers: With Reno’s rushing attack leading the charge and Foothill’s players untested this season, the matchup could hinge on turnovers, special teams, or explosive plays.
What to Expect
Friday’s matchup between Foothill and Reno is likely to feature a heavy emphasis on the running game, particularly for the Wolves, while both teams test each other’s defensive adjustments. Fans should anticipate a physical, hard-fought contest with momentum swings and late-game intensity.
For Foothill, success will depend on:
- Establishing the run and controlling the clock.
- Limiting Reno’s explosive plays.
- Protecting their quarterback and executing efficiently in short-yardage situations.
For Reno:
- Continuing to dominate on the ground through Jackson Mathews.
- Forcing turnovers and capitalizing on mistakes.
- Maintaining composure in unfamiliar situations against an out-of-state opponent.
Community Impact and Atmosphere
Home games at Reno High School are always an event, and hosting an out-of-state team adds another layer of excitement. Local fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere, with supporters rallying behind the Wolves as they defend home turf. Meanwhile, visiting Foothill fans and families will bring energy and school spirit, adding to the overall intensity of the matchup.
Closing Thoughts
The Foothill vs Reno matchup offers a compelling mix of in-state pride, out-of-state challenge, and early-season stakes. Reno enters with confidence after a victory in Week 1, while Foothill is looking to make a statement in its first game.
While statistics heavily favor Reno’s rushing attack, the Highlanders’ first-game unknowns could produce surprises and unexpected heroes. Fans should anticipate a spirited contest, with each team seeking to establish momentum and set the stage for the rest of the season.
Friday night’s game at Reno High School promises competitive action, passionate play, and a valuable preview of what both programs can offer throughout the 2025 season.
