High school football fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup this Friday as the Grant Pacers travel to Santa Rosa, California, to face off against the Cardinal Newman Cardinals. The game, set for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., promises a competitive night of high school football action.
Grant vs Cardinal Newman Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Grant vs Cardinal Newman
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
Game Overview
Cardinal Newman (0-1) hosts the visiting Grant Pacers (1-1) in what marks the first non-conference contest for the Cardinals this season. The matchup is highly anticipated, given the contrasting early-season results of the two teams. While Grant has managed to secure one win and one loss, Cardinal Newman is seeking its first victory of the 2025 campaign.
Fans can purchase digital tickets via GoFan for a convenient entry experience.
For live updates during the game, visit the Grant vs Cardinal Newman score tracker. For rankings and team comparisons, see high school football rankings and check out all upcoming local games at NFR Updates.
Early-Season Performance
Grant Pacers have shown a balanced offense so far, posting a total of 55 points over their first two games. Their scoring is relatively consistent across quarters, averaging 10.5 points in both the first and second quarters, with a slight dip in the second half (3.5 in Q3 and 3.0 in Q4), totaling an average of 27.5 points per game.
The Pacers’ offense thrives through the air and on the ground, averaging 79 rushing yards, 113 passing yards, and 113 receiving yards per game, combining for a total of 192 yards per contest. Leading the team, quarterback Shiren Crump accounts for 113 passing yards per game and 126 total yards, while Thorne Watson contributes 44 rushing yards per game. Rahzario Edwards leads the receivers with 65 yards per game.
Defensively, Grant averages 55 tackles per game and records 2 sacks per contest, demonstrating a well-rounded team on both sides of the ball.
Cardinal Newman, on the other hand, has struggled offensively in its first game, scoring just 7 points. Their early-season statistics highlight challenges in moving the ball, with averages of -7 passing and receiving yards per game, though their rushing game shows potential at 87 yards per game.
Leading Cardinal Newman is Pathoumnourack Malakai, who averages 71 total yards per game. Defensively, the team has recorded 61 tackles per game, slightly above the national average, but has yet to register a sack.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Quarterback Duel: Shiren Crump of Grant vs Cardinal Newman’s offensive leadership will be pivotal. Crump’s passing has already been productive, and his ability to connect with receivers like Edwards could challenge the Cardinals’ secondary.
- Rushing Attack vs. Defensive Front: Grant’s 79 rushing yards per game will test Cardinal Newman’s defensive line, which averages 61 tackles per game. Stop the run early, and the Cardinals could stay competitive.
- Scoring in the Fourth Quarter: Historically, Grant has trailed slightly in second-half scoring, which may offer the Cardinals a window to close the gap if they can sustain drives late in the game.
Historical Context
This matchup will be the first-ever meeting between Grant and Cardinal Newman, giving both teams a chance to establish dominance in a new inter-school rivalry. Grant currently ranks 144th nationally and 18th in California, while Cardinal Newman sits lower at 1,138 nationally and 99th in the state, reflecting the competitive gap between the programs on paper.
While rankings suggest a potential advantage for Grant, Cardinal Newman’s home-field advantage at Santa Rosa could prove significant. The Cardinals are eager to shake off an early-season loss and build momentum heading into league play.
What Fans Can Expect
Expect an energetic crowd as Cardinal Newman hosts Grant in this early-season non-league contest. With digital ticketing available through GoFan, supporters from both schools can secure entry ahead of time, avoiding long lines at the gate.
The game could also serve as a measuring stick for each team. Grant will look to continue its 1-1 start and refine its offensive efficiency, while Cardinal Newman aims to find rhythm offensively and avoid falling to 0-2.
Fans following this game live can stay up-to-date with real-time scoring by visiting the Grant vs Cardinal Newman score page, check the latest team rankings at NFR Updates rankings, and explore all other local high school football events at NFR Updates Find Your School.
Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Grant | Cardinal Newman |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 79 | 87 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 113 | -7 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | 113 | -7 |
| Total Yards/Game | 192 | 80 |
| Tackles/Game | 55 | 61 |
| Sacks/Game | 2 | 0 |
Scoring by Quarter:
- Grant: Q1 – 10.5 | Q2 – 10.5 | Q3 – 3.5 | Q4 – 3.0 | Final – 27.5
- Cardinal Newman: Q1 – 0 | Q2 – 0 | Q3 – 0 | Q4 – 7 | Final – 7
Players to Watch
Grant Pacers:
- Thorne Watson (#26) – 44 rushing yards per game
- Shiren Crump (#3) – 113 passing yards per game, 126 total yards
- Rahzario Edwards (#0) – 65 receiving yards per game
Cardinal Newman Cardinals:
- Pathoumnourack Malakai (#0) – 71 total yards per game
- Tino Retamoza (#8) – passing struggles highlight the need for offensive adjustments
- Zion Cargill (#2) – top receiving target
Looking Ahead
While the Pacers arrive with momentum, Cardinal Newman has the advantage of home support and the motivation to break a winless streak. This contest is crucial for both teams to gain confidence and assess where they stand early in the season.
High school football enthusiasts can monitor scores, rankings, and all upcoming events throughout the season to follow both teams’ progress.
With kickoff at 7 p.m. Friday, the Grant vs Cardinal Newman matchup is set to deliver a competitive, fast-paced night of football for fans in Santa Rosa and beyond.
For live updates and final scores, visit: Grant vs Cardinal Newman Score Tracker
Check team rankings here: High School Football Rankings
Explore all local high school football events: Find Your School
