California's high school football season jumps right in on Friday with one of the most highly-anticipated non-league games of the regular season. Santa Margarita hosts Mission Viejo (at Trabuco Hills High School) in a matchup of No. 6 and No. 5 in The Sporting News' California preseason rankings.
Additionally, Mission Viejo is ranked No. 22 in SN's national rankings, whereas Santa Margarita narrowly missed the top 25 and would likely come flying in with a win over the Diablos.
WATCH: Santa Margarita vs. Mission Viejo on NFHS Network
Between a few key injuries and an overwhelming strength of schedule, Santa Margarita was one of the best 5-7 teams you'll ever see last season. In 2025, the Eagles look to make a big leap in Carson Palmer's coaching debut, and they have the talent to do it between returners and inbound transfers. USC-bound receiver Trent Mosley is on a shortlist of statewide MVP candidates and will help assimilate new QB Trace Johnson, a Tulane commit who threw for 6,366 yards and 64 touchdowns in two seasons at Buccholz (FL). Blue chip sophomore running back Jaion Smith helps the cause too. Dash Fifita and Leki Holani (Sacramento State) might comprise the best linebacker tandem in California, and Santa Margarita has a plethora of additional stars throughout the trenches and defensive backfield. The Eagles aren't a sure thing with so much turnover, but the sky is the limit.
For Mission Viejo, QB Luke Fahey (Ohio State) and WR Vance Spafford (Miami) have a chance to prove themselves as the best battery in high school football with two dominant years under their belts already. Fellow seniors DB Jeron Jones (Washington) and DE JD Hill (NAU) are also among California's best players. DL Kane Noelte, LB Brady Bowman, and DB Zachary Foeldi are also coming off strong junior seasons on defense. That constitutes an outstanding core, but the Diablos will need more players to break out as stars for a chance to make the CIF-SS D1 semifinals. Senior RB Davonte Curtis is a top candidate, and junior Santa Margarita transfer Jack Junker is a budding star at receiver.
Here’s everything you need to know about live streaming Santa Margarita vs. Mission Viejo.
How to watch Santa Margarita vs. Mission Viejo football
- Live Stream: Watch on the NFHS Network
Santa Margarita vs. Mission Viejo will air live on the NFHS Network. You can subscribe to NFHS Network on a monthly basis or an annual subscription.
Santa Margarita vs. Mission Viejo start time
- Date: Friday, Aug. 22
- Time: 7:00 p.m. PT
The opening kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. PT on Friday, Aug. 22. The game will be played at Trabuco Hills High School in Mission Viejo.
RELATED:
- The Sporting News preseason National High School Football Top 25
California high school football top 25 rankings: Mater Dei starts at No. 1
Top games to watch in California high school football this season
SN's preseason California All-State high school football team
Top 20 quarterbacks in California high school football entering 2025
California position rankings: Top 20 QBs | Top 20 RBs | Top 20 WRs | Top 10 TEs |
Top 20 OLs | Top 20 DLs | Top 20 LBs | Top 25 DBs