The Grant vs Cardinal Newman matchup is set for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. in Santa Rosa, California. Cardinal Newman will host the Pacers in a non-conference clash that has drawn plenty of attention early in the high school football season. With both teams looking to solidify their identity, this game offers a pivotal opportunity to measure progress and test resilience.
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
Fans can secure their digital tickets for Grant @ Cardinal Newman through GoFan, making access to this much-anticipated contest easier than ever.
👉 Stay updated with every football score, check the latest football rankings, or follow your favorite program at Find Your School.
Season Records and Context
The Grant Pacers enter the game at 1-1 overall, splitting their first two contests of the season. While their offense has shown flashes of explosiveness, consistency remains the key storyline as they prepare for their trip to Santa Rosa. Grant’s scoring differential is nearly balanced with 55 points for and 77 points allowed through two games.
The Cardinal Newman Cardinals are still searching for their first win after opening the year with a 0-1 record. Their lone contest so far was a challenging one, with the team putting up just 7 points while conceding 40. Although the stat line looks lopsided, the Cardinals are determined to bounce back in front of their home crowd.
National and State Rankings
According to the most recent rankings:
- Grant (Sacramento, CA):
- National: 145
- California: 18
- Section: 2
- Division: 2
- Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa, CA):
- National: 1,137
- California: 99
- Section: 10
- Division: 2
Clearly, Grant enters the contest with a stronger standing both nationally and statewide. The Pacers will look to prove why their ranking is justified, while Cardinal Newman aims to challenge expectations and play spoiler at home.
For the latest updates on team positioning across the state, visit the official football rankings page.
Offensive and Defensive Trends
The Pacers and Cardinals present a stark contrast in early-season production:
Grant Pacers (Through 2 Games)
- Rushing Yards/Game: 138.5
- Passing Yards/Game: 237.0
- Receiving Yards/Game: 265.0
- Total Yards/Game: 375.5
- Tackles/Game: 55.5
- Sacks/Game: 4.0
Cardinal Newman Cardinals (Through 1 Game)
- Rushing Yards/Game: 87.0
- Passing Yards/Game: -7.0
- Receiving Yards/Game: -7.0
- Total Yards/Game: 80.0
- Tackles/Game: 61.0
- Sacks/Game: —
Grant has demonstrated offensive balance, leaning on both ground and air attacks. Quarterback play and dynamic receivers have kept defenses stretched, while the Pacers’ defensive front has generated consistent pressure with four sacks per game.
In contrast, Cardinal Newman has struggled to move the ball offensively, as reflected in their negative passing yardage after the season opener. The bright spot lies in their tackling, where they averaged 61 tackles in their first outing, showing defensive hustle despite offensive difficulties.
Player Spotlight
Key performers to watch in this Grant vs Cardinal Newman battle include:
Grant Pacers
- Thorne Watson (#26): Averaging 74.5 rushing yards per game, Watson gives the Pacers a reliable ground option.
- Shiren Crump (#3): With 237 passing yards per game and 243.5 total yards per game, Crump drives Grant’s offensive rhythm.
- Rahzario Edwards (#0): Leading receiver with 134 yards per game, he provides a big-play threat downfield.
- Savion Bandy (#9): Anchoring the defense at 7.5 tackles per game.
- Sosaia Noa (#44): Disruptive pass rusher averaging 1.5 sacks per game.
Cardinal Newman Cardinals
- Pathoumnourack Malakai (#0): A bright spot in the backfield, averaging 71 rushing yards per game.
- Tino Retamoza (#8): Though limited so far, he holds the quarterback responsibilities with 1 passing yard per game.
- Zion Cargill (#2): Averaging 4 receiving yards per game, looking to expand his impact.
- Dylan Webb (#3): Defensive leader with 8 tackles per game, often around the ball.
While Grant’s roster features multiple offensive threats, Cardinal Newman will lean heavily on its defense to contain explosive plays and give their offense room to grow.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
Breaking down the production, the Pacers have shown they can score quickly, while the Cardinals have been more limited:
- Grant:
- 1st Quarter: 14.0 points
- 2nd Quarter: 21.0 points
- 3rd Quarter: 7.0 points
- 4th Quarter: 0
- Average Total: 27.5 points
- Cardinal Newman:
- 1st Quarter: 0
- 2nd Quarter: 0
- 3rd Quarter: 0
- 4th Quarter: 7.0 points
- Average Total: 7.0 points
Grant has dominated the first half in their contests, piling up points before halftime. Cardinal Newman, however, has scored only in the fourth quarter, suggesting they are still working on offensive adjustments and rhythm.
Record Breakdown
- Grant Pacers (1-1 Overall)
- Home: 1-1
- Away: 0-0
- Non-League: 1-1
- Cardinal Newman Cardinals (0-1 Overall)
- Home: 0-1
- Away: 0-0
- Non-League: 0-1
Neither team has faced a common opponent, and both remain untested in league play. The non-league nature of this game makes it an opportunity to experiment, sharpen playbooks, and prepare for the grind of conference competition.
What’s at Stake
For Grant, a win would push their record above .500 and keep them trending upward in both state and national rankings. Their offensive depth makes them a dangerous team, but consistency will determine if they remain among California’s top-tier programs.
For Cardinal Newman, this game is about building confidence and demonstrating growth. Despite their lower rankings and early struggles, a strong showing against a high-caliber opponent like Grant could set the tone for the remainder of their season.
Final Thoughts
The Grant vs Cardinal Newman contest offers more than just another non-conference matchup. It’s a battle between two programs at different stages—one aiming to climb higher in the rankings, the other determined to establish itself and earn its first win of the year.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2025, in Santa Rosa. Fans unable to attend can keep track of the action through score updates and highlights.
Stay locked in with every football score, track team progress in the rankings, and find coverage of every school at Find Your School.
