High school football fans are in for a non-conference clash when Shadow Ridge vs Quartz Hill takes place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. The matchup will be held at Quartz Hill High School in California, bringing together two programs from different states with very different starts to their seasons.
Matchup: Shadow Ridge vs Quartz Hill
Date: Friday., Sep. 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here Now
The Mustangs from Las Vegas have already shown flashes of their offensive potential, while the Royals are still searching for their first win of the year. The game offers both teams an opportunity to measure themselves against out-of-state competition and build momentum as the fall season progresses.
For expanded prep football coverage, visit Massachusetts High School Football events. Fans can also follow their state’s schedules and scores at the Find Your School page.
Records and Rankings
- Shadow Ridge Mustangs (1-1, 0-0 league)
- National Ranking: No. 1,061
- Nevada Ranking: No. 6 overall, No. 6 division
- Points For: 62
- Points Against: 71
- Home Record: 1-0
- Away Record: 0-1
Shadow Ridge has split its first two contests. The Mustangs rely heavily on their rushing attack, which has already produced impressive numbers. However, their defense has also been tested, giving up 71 points across two games.
- Quartz Hill Royals (0-2, 0-0 league)
- National Ranking: No. 4,492
- California Ranking: No. 295 overall, No. 133 section
- Points For: 21
- Points Against: 59
- Home Record: 0-1
- Away Record: 0-1
Quartz Hill is still looking to break into the win column. While the Royals have struggled in both home and road games, they have shown potential in their passing game and defensive tackling numbers.
Scoring Trends
Looking at the quarter-by-quarter averages highlights how these teams approach their games:
- Shadow Ridge:
- Q1: 0
- Q2: 13.5
- Q3: 6.5
- Q4: 11.0
- Final: 31.0
The Mustangs often start slow but heat up in the second quarter, averaging over 13 points before halftime. Their late-game scoring shows endurance, though the lack of first-quarter production could be a weakness.
- Quartz Hill:
- Q1: 0
- Q2: 3.5
- Q3: 3.5
- Q4: 3.5
- Final: 10.5
The Royals have consistently struggled to generate points, averaging just 10.5 per game. Their offense has been limited in every quarter, a problem they’ll need to address quickly if they want to compete with a team that averages over 30 points per contest.
Statistical Comparison
The raw numbers show just how different these two squads are:
- Shadow Ridge Mustangs
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 348.5
- Passing Yards Per Game: 17.0
- Total Yards Per Game: 365.5
- Tackles Per Game: 31.0
- Sacks Per Game: 1.5
The Mustangs live on the ground, with nearly all of their offense coming from the rushing attack. They don’t pass often but still generate big plays and wear opponents down with consistent gains.
- Quartz Hill Royals
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 136.0
- Passing Yards Per Game: 133.5
- Total Yards Per Game: 269.5
- Tackles Per Game: 63.5
- Sacks Per Game: 0.5
The Royals rely on a more balanced approach, mixing rushing and passing, but they have not been able to translate that into points. Their defensive tackling numbers are strong, but their pass rush is limited.
Key Players
Shadow Ridge Mustangs
- #29 Trevin Young – Leading the ground game with 73.5 rushing yards per game. His running sets the tone for the Mustangs’ offense.
- #5 Isaiah Ruiz – Quarterback averaging 15.0 passing yards per game, though his role is more about complementing the run-heavy scheme.
- #17 Jokai Johnson – Adds depth to the receiving game, averaging 13.5 yards per game.
- #31 Aaron Smith – Defensive anchor with 8.0 tackles per game, consistently active around the ball.
- #22 Tikari Dillard – Provides pressure up front with 0.5 sacks per game.
Quartz Hill Royals
- #2 Kemir Smith – Key rusher with 62.0 rushing yards per game, giving the Royals a reliable option on the ground.
- #10 Malaqai Nurse – Dual-threat quarterback, putting up 108.0 passing yards and 145.5 total yards per game, a central figure in Quartz Hill’s offense.
- #12 Sean Diaz – Top receiving target, averaging 75.0 yards per game and leading the team with 3.0 points per game.
- #6 Javontai Wisdom – Defensive leader, averaging 10.5 tackles per game, well above the national average.
- #71 Larry Baer – Provides strength up front, credited with 2 pancake blocks.
Record Breakdown
- Shadow Ridge (1-1)
- Non-League: 1-1
- Home: 1-0
- Away: 0-1
- In-State: 1-1
- Out-of-State: 0-0
- Quartz Hill (0-2)
- Non-League: 0-2
- Home: 0-1
- Away: 0-1
- In-State: 0-2
- Out-of-State: 0-0
This will be Shadow Ridge’s first game against a California opponent this season, while Quartz Hill continues to test itself in non-league action.
Keys to Victory
- Shadow Ridge Mustangs
- Stick to the run game, where they dominate with over 348 rushing yards per contest.
- Avoid slow first quarters, which could keep the Royals in the game longer than expected.
- Use their defensive front to disrupt Quartz Hill’s passing rhythm.
- Quartz Hill Royals
- Get the ball into Sean Diaz’s hands early to spark the offense.
- Rely on Javontai Wisdom’s tackling to slow down Shadow Ridge’s run game.
- Finish drives with points—field goals or touchdowns—rather than empty possessions.
What to Expect
The Shadow Ridge vs Quartz Hill matchup pits a Nevada rushing powerhouse against a California squad still looking for its first win. Shadow Ridge’s run-first attack is tough to stop, while Quartz Hill will lean on its passing game and defense to stay competitive.
If the Mustangs establish their ground game early, they could control the tempo and put the Royals in a difficult position. However, if Quartz Hill’s defense, led by Wisdom, can slow down Trevin Young and force Shadow Ridge to throw, the Royals might create opportunities to upset.
Final Thoughts
Both programs enter this game with different goals. Shadow Ridge wants to show it can compete consistently against teams beyond Nevada, while Quartz Hill seeks to reverse its early-season struggles and notch its first win.
The clash should provide an exciting showcase of contrasting styles: Shadow Ridge’s rushing dominance versus Quartz Hill’s balanced approach. Fans in California will get a close look at one of Nevada’s toughest rushing attacks under the Friday night lights.
For more high school football action, check out Massachusetts High School Football events or explore updates on teams nationwide at the Find Your School page.
