The high school football calendar is heating up in California, and one of the most intriguing non-conference matchups this week is Modesto vs Sierra. On Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m., the Sierra Timberwolves of Manteca will host the Modesto Panthers in what promises to be a competitive evening under the lights.
Modesto vs Sierra Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Modesto vs Sierra
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
Fans can purchase digital tickets for the game through GoFan, and for those unable to attend in person, the contest will be available for live streaming on the NFHS Network.
Team Records Heading Into the Matchup
The two programs come into this game with very different starts to their 2025 campaigns:
- Modesto Panthers: 2-0 overall (1-0 at home, 1-0 away)
- Sierra Timberwolves: 0-2 overall (0-0 at home, 0-2 away)
Modesto has found early momentum, opening their season with a pair of victories. Their defense has been effective, giving up only 19 points across two games, while their offense has scored 43 points. That balance has positioned the Panthers as a tough team to beat in non-league competition.
Sierra, on the other hand, has faced a difficult start. The Timberwolves have yet to secure their first win, conceding 103 points over two matchups while scoring 58. Despite the losses, Sierra has shown flashes of offensive production, particularly in the first quarter where they average 3.0 points per game.
Rankings Snapshot
Using the latest rankings data from NFR Updates:
- Modesto
- National: 10,658
- California: 723
- Section: 106
- Division: 19
- Sierra
- National: 8,905
- California: 609
- Section: 90
- Division: 16
While Sierra holds a stronger national and statewide ranking position, Modesto’s undefeated start gives them the momentum advantage coming into Friday’s contest.
Scoring Trends by Quarter
Breaking down the scoring averages per quarter:
- Modesto Panthers
- 1st Quarter: 0 points
- 2nd Quarter: 7.0 points
- 3rd Quarter: 14.0 points
- 4th Quarter: 0 points
- Average Final Score: 21.5 points
- Sierra Timberwolves
- 1st Quarter: 3.0 points
- 2nd Quarter: 0 points
- 3rd Quarter: 0 points
- 4th Quarter: 0 points
- Average Final Score: 29.0 points
These numbers highlight a key contrast: Modesto does much of its damage in the third quarter, while Sierra’s scoring has mostly come in the opening frame. The Timberwolves have not managed to score in the second half through their first two games, a trend they will need to change against Modesto.
Team Statistics Breakdown
The Timberwolves have several statistical categories where they’ve shown strong production despite their record:
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 204.5
- Passing Yards Per Game: 155.0
- Receiving Yards Per Game: 155.0
- Total Yards Per Game: 359.5
- Tackles Per Game: 49.5
- Sacks Per Game: 0.5
- Points Per Game: 1.5
Modesto’s team averages are not listed in full, but their efficiency in winning games suggests they have been strong both offensively and defensively.
Key Players to Watch
Modesto Panthers:
- Darien East (#4) – Rushing yards leader, averaging 130.5 per game, well above the national average of 20.9.
- Jaysen Martinez (#1) – Commanding the passing game with 155 yards per game and a total offense average of 190 yards per game.
- Anthony Chapman (#9) – Top receiving option with 76.5 yards per game, also contributing defensively with 0.5 sacks per game.
- Ozias Siga (#17) – Leading the defense with 7.5 tackles per game, more than double the national average.
- Vareho Zingkhai (#26) – Contributing 1.5 points per game.
Sierra Timberwolves:
- Detailed individual leaders were not available in the data provided. However, their team averages show offensive potential, particularly in rushing and passing production. The lack of defensive consistency has been their biggest hurdle so far.
Matchup History
This will be the first recorded meeting between Modesto and Sierra in recent history. Neither team has a head-to-head record against the other, making this a fresh test for both programs.
Record Breakdown
Modesto Panthers (2-0)
- Overall: 2-0
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 2-0
- Home: 1-0
- Away: 1-0
- Neutral: 0-0
- Playoff: 0-0
- In-State: 2-0
- Out-of-State: 0-0
Sierra Timberwolves (0-2)
- Overall: 0-2
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 0-2
- Home: 0-0
- Away: 0-2
- Neutral: 0-0
- Playoff: 0-0
- In-State: 0-2
- Out-of-State: 0-0
Where to Follow Scores and Rankings
Fans who want to stay updated on the latest football scores can track Modesto vs Sierra live. Rankings and standings for both programs and other California schools are available on the NFR Updates rankings page. To explore schedules, rosters, and matchups for high schools across the state, visit the Find Your School hub.
Final Outlook
Heading into Friday night, Modesto carries the momentum of an unbeaten start and a balanced offense led by strong individual playmakers. Sierra, still searching for its first win, will look to turn home-field advantage into a spark. The Timberwolves’ offensive yardage shows potential, but their defense will need to step up to slow down a Modesto squad that has been sharp in the second half of games.
The stage is set for an exciting non-conference matchup. Whether the Panthers remain perfect or the Timberwolves find redemption at home, fans can expect a spirited contest when Modesto vs Sierra kicks off at 7 p.m. in Manteca.
