Nevada

Game preview: Liberty vs Casteel Football Sep. 5, 2025

Game preview: Liberty vs Casteel Football Sep. 5, 2025

High school football fans in Arizona and Nevada will be paying close attention on Friday, September 5, 2025, when Liberty vs Casteel kicks off at 7 p.m. in Queen Creek, Arizona. The non-conference matchup pairs Liberty High School (Henderson, NV) against Casteel High School (Queen Creek, AZ) in what promises to be a physical, high-scoring contest.

Matchup: Liberty vs Casteel
Date: Friday., Sep. 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here Now

For more coverage on football around the country, visit Massachusetts High School Football events. To follow schedules and game news for your school and state, check out the Find Your School page.


Team Records Heading Into the Game

  • Liberty Patriots (1-1, 0-0 in league play)
    Liberty enters the contest with a split record. They’ve won one game at home but fell in their only road test. The Patriots have scored 60 points while giving up 45, showing offensive production but leaving room for defensive improvement. Ranked No. 237 nationally and No. 2 in Nevada, Liberty remains among the top-tier programs in their state.
  • Casteel Colts (1-0, 0-0 in league play)
    Casteel, meanwhile, has played just once but made it count. The Colts posted a dominant 51-14 road victory, starting their season strong. Ranked No. 432 nationally and No. 17 in Arizona, they’ll look to build momentum on their home field with an opportunity to knock off a respected Nevada opponent.

Scoring Averages: Offense Comparison

The numbers reveal two programs that have already shown they can move the ball:

  • Liberty Patriots
    • Average 30.0 points per game.
    • Offense typically ramps up after halftime, scoring 10.5 points per fourth quarter, suggesting they finish games strong.
    • Balanced scoring in all four quarters, though slower in the second frame (5.0 points on average).
  • Casteel Colts
    • Average 51.0 points per game, one of the highest early-season outputs.
    • Exploded in the third quarter of their lone game, putting up 21 points.
    • Opened strong as well, with 16 first-quarter points.

The contrast here is clear: Liberty relies on steady production, while Casteel has shown the ability to deliver knockout blows early and extend leads quickly.


Liberty’s Statistical Leaders

While Casteel’s individual player statistics were not listed, Liberty’s roster features several standouts who have already left their mark this season:

  • #1 Ezra Sanelivi (RB) – Leads the rushing attack with 102.0 yards per game, giving Liberty a ground game that can challenge defenses.
  • #12 Selby Griego (QB) – A proven playmaker under center, averaging 191.5 passing yards and 240.0 total yards per game. He remains the focal point of the Patriots’ offense.
  • #8 Kellen Iwamuro (WR) – Provides a reliable downfield target with 72.0 receiving yards per game.
  • #11 Carter Christensen (LB) – Defensive leader with 5.0 tackles per game.
  • #18 Aiden Webster (DL) – Generates pressure in the trenches, averaging 0.8 sacks per contest.
  • #35 Gunnar Massenburg (RB/WR) – Adds scoring punch with 4.5 points per game.

Liberty has the advantage of detailed production numbers, which show a well-rounded team capable of moving the ball both on the ground and through the air.


Team Stat Comparison

While Casteel’s detailed stats have yet to be reported, Liberty’s numbers highlight the kind of challenge the Colts will face:

  • 381.0 total yards per game for Liberty, with a balanced mix of 151.5 rushing yards and 229.5 passing yards.
  • Defensively, Liberty averages 48.5 tackles per game and 1.8 sacks per game, demonstrating a defensive front capable of applying pressure.

On the other hand, Casteel’s 51 points scored and just 14 allowed in their lone contest suggests efficiency on both sides of the ball, even if specific statistics remain unavailable.


Record Breakdown

Looking deeper at the season breakdown:

  • Liberty
    • 1-1 overall, both games non-league.
    • 1-0 at home, but 0-1 on the road.
    • All games played in-state so far.
  • Casteel
    • 1-0 overall, with a win in their only game played away from home.
    • Still seeking their first home result of the year.
    • Their win came against an out-of-state opponent, showing they can compete across borders.

This dynamic makes the matchup particularly intriguing: Liberty has proven tough at home but inconsistent away, while Casteel has shown they can handle road challenges and now get the chance to prove themselves in front of their own fans.


What to Expect on Friday Night

Friday’s game sets up as a battle between Liberty’s offensive balance and Casteel’s explosive scoring ability.

  • For Liberty: Success will hinge on Griego’s ability to control the passing game and Sanelivi’s consistency on the ground. If the Patriots can sustain drives and avoid early mistakes, they can keep pace with a high-scoring Colts offense.
  • For Casteel: The Colts will aim to replicate their Week 1 dominance, using fast starts and explosive third quarters to overwhelm opponents. With their defensive performance in the opener allowing just 14 points, containing Liberty’s balanced attack will be key.

Key Storylines

  1. Nevada vs Arizona Pride – Games across state lines always come with extra weight. Liberty represents one of Nevada’s top programs, while Casteel looks to defend Arizona turf.
  2. Quarterback Spotlight – Liberty’s Selby Griego has already demonstrated he can command an offense with over 190 passing yards per game. How will Casteel’s defense respond?
  3. Early Season Momentum – Both teams are building their identity in the early weeks. A win here would provide a huge boost heading into league play.
  4. Road vs Home Test – Liberty has yet to win outside Nevada this year, while Casteel hasn’t played at home yet. Both teams will be tested in new environments.

Final Thoughts

The Liberty vs Casteel matchup promises to be one of the more competitive non-conference battles of the early season. Liberty brings proven offensive weapons and a balanced attack, while Casteel counters with high-scoring potential and the energy of their home opener.

Whichever team executes better in the opening half could seize control. Liberty must limit Casteel’s explosive surges, while the Colts need to contain Griego and the Patriots’ offensive balance.

Fans can expect a physical, entertaining game between two programs eager to establish themselves in 2025.

For more updates on football across the country, don’t miss Massachusetts High School Football events and check schedules, scores, and news for your state by visiting the Find Your School page.

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