The Freedom High School Falcons will host the Maria Carrillo Pumas in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in Oakley, California. Both teams enter the game with contrasting early-season momentum, setting the stage for an exciting Friday night showdown. Fans can watch the action live on the NFHS Network.
Maria Carrillo vs Freedom Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Maria Carrillo vs Freedom
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
Season Overview
Maria Carrillo (Santa Rosa, CA) comes into this game with a strong 1-0 record, having showcased offensive efficiency and defensive discipline in their opening contest. The Pumas scored 35 points while limiting their opponent to just 10 points, reflecting a balanced and well-prepared team. Maria Carrillo ranks 6,669th nationally and 441st in California, with a Section ranking of 43 in Division 10.
On the other hand, Freedom (Oakley, CA) struggled in their season opener, falling to 19-83, leaving them with an 0-1 record. Despite a tough start, the Falcons still carry potential, especially at home. Freedom’s national ranking sits at 8,096, with a California ranking of 547, placing them 54th in their section in Division 12.
For fans following high school football schedules, scores, and rankings, comprehensive updates can be found at NFR Updates and team-specific rankings at NFR Rankings. You can also find all local high school football teams via Find Your School.
Key Players to Watch
Maria Carrillo
The Pumas’ offense is led by Cooper Bluestone (#4), who averages 118 passing yards per game and 159 total yards per game, making him the focal point of the team’s attack. Estefan Ramirez (#6) leads the rushing game with 45 yards per game, while Ryan Braga (#21) tops the receiving charts with 24 yards per game. Maria Carrillo’s offense combines a steady passing attack with balanced rushing, creating multiple threats for opposing defenses.
Defensively, the team has been disciplined, limiting opponents effectively, although tackles and sack numbers are not fully detailed. This lack of publicly available defensive stats will be something to watch against Freedom’s high-powered passing attack.
Freedom
The Falcons’ offense features standout Tah’kai Edwards (#10), who leads the team in rushing (43 yards per game), passing (176 yards per game), and total yards (219 yards per game). Freedom’s top receiving threat is Porter Madsen (#1), averaging 76 receiving yards per game, signaling a strong vertical passing game. Defensively, Montgomery Martinez (#16) contributes 19 tackles per game, and Jimmie Bradford (#11) records 1 sack per game, highlighting the team’s key defensive playmakers.
Despite Freedom’s lopsided opening loss, their individual talents give them potential to challenge Maria Carrillo, especially in passing efficiency and home-field advantage.
Team Stats Comparison
| Statistic | Maria Carrillo | Freedom |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 118 | 66 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 145 | 191 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | 40 | 181 |
| Total Yards/Game | 263 | 257 |
| Tackles/Game | N/A | 81 |
| Sacks/Game | N/A | 2 |
Both teams demonstrate a mix of strengths. Maria Carrillo relies more on a balanced rushing and passing offense, while Freedom emphasizes passing and receiving yards. Defensive comparisons are less clear for Maria Carrillo, but Freedom’s stats indicate aggressive tackling and pass-rushing potential.
Recent Performances
Maria Carrillo
In their opening game against Piner, the Pumas scored 35 points, showcasing a versatile offensive attack. The game highlighted their ability to sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities, setting a confident tone for the season. Video highlights from the matchup are available for fans looking to scout key plays.
Freedom
The Falcons struggled in their season opener against East Union, scoring only 19 points while conceding 83. Despite the loss, the team showed flashes of offensive potential through Tah’kai Edwards and Porter Madsen, particularly in the passing game. Video highlights reveal opportunities for growth and areas where adjustments may improve performance against Maria Carrillo.
Matchup Breakdown
Offense
- Maria Carrillo: Balanced attack with effective rushing and passing. Cooper Bluestone’s leadership at quarterback is central to the Pumas’ game plan.
- Freedom: Pass-heavy offense led by Tah’kai Edwards. Vertical passing threat with Porter Madsen will challenge the Pumas’ secondary.
Defense
- Maria Carrillo: Limited statistical data, but early performance suggests disciplined, opportunistic defense.
- Freedom: Strong tackling presence and capable pass rush. Defensive leaders like Montgomery Martinez and Jimmie Bradford could disrupt Maria Carrillo’s rhythm if containment strategies succeed.
X-Factors
- Maria Carrillo: Team cohesion and efficiency in red-zone scoring. If Bluestone connects consistently with receivers, the Pumas can control the game tempo.
- Freedom: Home-field advantage and explosive plays from Edwards and Madsen. Defensive adjustments could swing momentum if early mistakes are corrected.
Why This Game Matters
Non-conference games like Maria Carrillo vs Freedom offer early insights into each team’s strengths and weaknesses. For Maria Carrillo, a win solidifies their 1-0 start and builds confidence heading into league play. For Freedom, this matchup represents a chance to rebound from a difficult opener and demonstrate resilience in front of a home crowd.
Both programs also aim to make an impression in statewide rankings. Fans tracking team performance can monitor NFR Updates for live scores and progress throughout the season.
How to Watch
- Live Stream: NFHS Network
Fans are encouraged to follow live reporting and score updates to stay on top of every play. You can also explore each school’s football program via Find Your School.
Historical Context
This is the first recorded matchup between Maria Carrillo and Freedom, so there is no direct head-to-head history to reference. Both teams will enter uncharted territory, adding an element of unpredictability. Early comparisons against common opponents also provide limited insight, leaving this matchup wide open for surprises.
Key Takeaways
- Maria Carrillo enters as the stronger early-season team, with balanced offense and efficient scoring.
- Freedom looks to bounce back from a tough season opener, relying on strong passing and home support.
- Individual stars like Cooper Bluestone (Maria Carrillo) and Tah’kai Edwards (Freedom) will play pivotal roles.
- Fans should watch for defensive adjustments, especially Freedom’s potential to disrupt Maria Carrillo’s rhythm.
This non-conference clash promises high stakes, energetic gameplay, and a chance for both programs to gauge their potential for the 2025 season. For ongoing updates, full schedules, and rankings, explore NFR Updates and NFR Rankings.
