High school football season in California is heating up, and one of the early contests to watch is the Mission vs De Anza matchup. The De Anza Dons (El Sobrante, CA) are set to host the Mission Bears (San Francisco, CA) in a non-conference game on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Mission vs De Anza Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Mission vs De Anza
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
This clash presents a chance for both teams to make an early-season statement. Mission enters with a clean slate, while De Anza looks to rebound after dropping its first game of the year. For fans, families, and alumni, this is more than just a contest—it’s a chance to see two programs test themselves outside of league play.
Records and Rankings
Mission Bears (San Francisco, CA)
- Overall Record (2025-26): 0-0
- Home Record: 0-0
- Away Record: 0-0
- National Rank: 13,665
- California Rank: 1,000
- Section Rank: 4
- Division Rank: 5
- Points Scored (PF): 0
- Points Allowed (PA): 0
Mission has yet to play a game this season, which means the Bears are somewhat of a mystery heading into this contest. Their previous season showed moments of both growth and struggle, but with a fresh start, the Bears will look to establish themselves quickly against a tested De Anza squad.
De Anza Dons (El Sobrante, CA)
- Overall Record (2025-26): 0-1
- Home Record: 0-1
- Away Record: 0-0
- National Rank: 11,084
- California Rank: 756
- Section Rank: 82
- Division Rank: 9
- Points Scored (PF): 19
- Points Allowed (PA): 35
The Dons opened their season with a tough loss, putting up 19 points while allowing 35. While the defeat sets them back, De Anza’s offensive ability to score nearly 20 points shows they are not without firepower. Their challenge lies in tightening up the defense to avoid letting games slip away.
Team Scoring Averages
Since Mission has not yet played this season, no scoring averages are available. De Anza, however, enters this game averaging 19 points per contest. The defense gave up 35 points in their first outing, something the coaching staff will likely emphasize ahead of the Mission matchup.
Head-to-Head Comparison
So far, Mission and De Anza have not faced each other in recent seasons, which makes this game intriguing. With no direct history, both programs are stepping into unfamiliar territory. That uncertainty could lead to surprises on the field as both teams adjust to each other’s schemes in real time.
Common Opponents
At this stage in the season, neither program has a common opponent. This means there’s little comparative data for fans to predict how the game will play out. Instead, fans will get a clearer sense of each team’s identity once the scoreboard lights up on Friday night.
What’s at Stake
For Mission, this game represents the first step in their 2025 campaign. A strong showing would help them build early momentum and set a tone for the rest of the season. With rankings placing them at 1,000 in California, the Bears have plenty of room to climb, and an out-of-conference win could serve as a springboard.
For De Anza, the pressure is higher. Starting the year 0-2 would be a tough hole to climb out of, especially when fighting for recognition in a competitive California football landscape. Ranked 756 in the state, the Dons can’t afford to let winnable games slip away. A home victory would steady the team’s confidence and help them gain traction in the standings.
Keys to the Game
Mission Bears
- Start Fast: As their first game, establishing rhythm early will be crucial. Whether through ground-and-pound football or quick passing, they need to find their footing before the Dons settle in.
- Control the Clock: Limiting De Anza’s offensive opportunities will ease the pressure on their defense.
- Discipline: With no previous game film this season, avoiding unnecessary penalties and mental errors could make the difference.
De Anza Dons
- Defensive Adjustments: After allowing 35 points in Week 1, De Anza must focus on plugging defensive gaps.
- Finish Drives: Scoring 19 points shows potential, but finishing in the red zone will be critical against Mission.
- Home Field Advantage: Using the crowd’s energy to fuel intensity could tip the balance.
Fan Experience
High school football is not just about the players—it’s about the community. Friday night in El Sobrante will bring families, alumni, and students together under the lights. With digital tickets available through GoFan, fans can ensure a smooth entry into the stadium.
If you can’t make it to the game, there are also ways to stay connected. Fans can contribute as live score reporters, helping update the action in real time for those following online.
For real-time football scores, visit NFR Updates Scores.
To check how these programs stack up in state and national rankings, see NFR Updates Rankings.
And if you’re following other schools and want to explore more matchups, head to Find Your School on NFR Updates.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of the outcome, this non-conference game will provide insight into both squads. For Mission, it’s a first look at their 2025 team and a chance to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. For De Anza, it’s about bouncing back from a tough start and proving they can compete at a high level.
The California high school football season is long, and one game won’t define a team. But for the Dons and the Bears, September 5 is more than just another date—it’s an opportunity to build momentum, strengthen team chemistry, and give fans a reason to rally.
Final Thoughts
The Mission vs De Anza matchup may not carry playoff implications yet, but it matters greatly to the players, coaches, and communities. With Mission beginning their season and De Anza seeking redemption, expect a competitive battle under the lights in El Sobrante.
Fans who want to follow along beyond the final whistle should stay connected through NFR Updates, where scores, rankings, and school matchups are tracked throughout the season.
On Friday night, the scoreboard will tell one story. But for both Mission and De Anza, the lessons learned and momentum gained could shape the entire 2025 season.
