The Simi Valley vs Shadow Ridge non-conference matchup on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. brings together two programs eager to secure their first win of the young season. Shadow Ridge (Las Vegas, NV) hosts the California-based Simi Valley Mustangs in what promises to be a physical contest between two hungry teams.

Matchup: Simi Valley vs Shadow Ridge
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here

Both teams enter the game winless, but their early-season performances suggest very different strengths and challenges. Simi Valley, coming in at 0-2, has shown more productivity through the air, while Shadow Ridge, sitting at 0-1, has leaned heavily on a dominant rushing attack. This contrast in style sets the stage for a compelling out-of-state battle.

Team Records and Early Trends

• Simi Valley Mustangs (0-2)
  • National Rank: 1,274
  • California Rank: 107
  • Section Rank: 61
  • Sec. Division: 13
  • Points For (PF): 28
  • Points Against (PA): 69
  • Win Percentage: .000

  The California squad has struggled in its opening two contests, dropping both its home and away games. While their offense has produced, averaging 14.0 points per game, defensive breakdowns have left them giving up 69 total points in just two games.

• Shadow Ridge Mustangs (0-1)
  • National Rank: 1,260
  • Nevada Rank: 6
  • Division Rank: 6
  • Points For (PF): 21
  • Points Against (PA): 31
  • Win Percentage: .000

  Shadow Ridge has only played one game so far this season, but the opener resulted in a 21-31 defeat on the road. The Nevada program now looks to bounce back in front of its home crowd for the first time in 2025.

Scoring Averages

Looking at scoring by quarters highlights how both teams approach the game differently:

• Simi Valley:
  • Consistent, but modest scoring across all four quarters: 3.5 points per quarter, totaling 14.0 per game.
  • This steady output indicates an offense that can move the ball, but struggles to finish drives with touchdowns.
• Shadow Ridge:
  • Scoreless in the opening frame but much stronger in the middle and late stages: 7 points each in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters.
  • That balance shows their offense can find rhythm as games progress, especially on the ground.

Team Statistical Comparison

The biggest difference between these teams comes in how they generate offense:

• Simi Valley Strength: Passing offense. With nearly 186 yards per game through the air, the Mustangs lean on quarterback Dawson Armstrong to move the ball downfield.
• Shadow Ridge Strength: Rushing dominance. The Nevada squad puts up a massive 327 yards on the ground per game, nearly tripling Simi Valley’s production in that category.

Defensively, Simi Valley has been more active, averaging 73 tackles and 4 sacks per game, suggesting a defense that’s been on the field often but is capable of disruption.

Key Players to Watch

Simi Valley Mustangs (California)

• #14 Zane Tryon – 95 rushing yards per game, 111 total yards per game. Tryon has been the most reliable weapon for Simi Valley, balancing rushing and receiving duties.
• #12 Dawson Armstrong – 103 passing yards per game. The quarterback has been tasked with keeping the Mustangs’ offense alive, especially when the running game stalls.
• #80 Cole Alejo – 67.5 receiving yards per game, providing Armstrong with a dependable target.
• #33 Izak Simpson – Defensive anchor with 8.5 tackles per game and 2 sacks, setting the tone on defense.

Shadow Ridge Mustangs (Nevada)

• #29 Trevin Young – A workhorse on the ground, averaging 127 rushing yards per game and 127 total yards. Young powers the offense and will be the focal point against Simi Valley’s defense.
• #3 Ula Cox – Passing numbers are low (4 yards per game), showing the team rarely relies on the air attack.
• #17 Jokai Johnson – Limited to just 4 receiving yards per game, but could be an X-factor if the defense overloads against the run.
• #31 Aaron Smith – Defensive leader, averaging 11 tackles per contest.
• #22 Tikari Dillard – Adds pressure up front with 1 sack per game.
• #47 Jaxon Garcia – Offensive scoring contributor with 3 points per game.

What Each Team Needs to Do

• Simi Valley’s Path to Victory:
  To earn its first win, Simi Valley must slow down Shadow Ridge’s running game. Their defensive front, led by Simpson, will have to close gaps and limit explosive plays from Trevin Young. Offensively, they need Armstrong to maintain efficiency and connect with Alejo for chunk yardage. Finishing red-zone drives with touchdowns instead of field goals is critical.
• Shadow Ridge’s Path to Victory:
  The Nevada Mustangs will stick to their identity—run the football. Trevin Young has already proven he can dominate opposing defenses, and behind a strong offensive line, he’s the key to controlling the pace. Defensively, Shadow Ridge must contain Simi Valley’s aerial attack. If they disrupt Armstrong’s rhythm, their rushing dominance should be enough to secure a home win.

Record Breakdown

• Simi Valley (0-2)
  • Non-League: 0-2
  • Home: 0-1
  • Away: 0-1
  • In-State: 0-0
  • Out-of-State: 0-2
• Shadow Ridge (0-1)
  • Non-League: 0-1
  • Home: 0-0
  • Away: 0-1
  • In-State: 0-1
  • Out-of-State: 0-0

Both teams are searching for their first win, but Simi Valley has already dropped two non-league contests, including one at home. Shadow Ridge’s single loss came in-state on the road, giving them an opportunity to reset in front of their home crowd.

Final Thoughts

The Simi Valley vs Shadow Ridge matchup features two programs with contrasting strengths—California’s passing-oriented offense against Nevada’s punishing ground game. Both squads need a win to build momentum early in the season, and this clash should reveal which style of play prevails under pressure.

Shadow Ridge holds the home-field advantage and an elite rusher in Trevin Young, but Simi Valley’s passing game could pose problems if their defense can contain the run. Fans can expect a physical, grind-it-out battle where execution in the second half likely decides the outcome.

For fans following other state matchups or looking into related high school football coverage, check out the latest Massachusetts High School Football events and explore details on teams nationwide with the Find Your School feature.