The stage is set for an exciting Northern California high school football matchup as the Petaluma Trojans travel to take on the Santa Rosa Panthers this Friday, September 5, at 7:00 p.m. The game promises high energy and fierce competition as both teams enter the contest with undefeated records.
Petaluma vs Santa Rosa Football Game Info:
What: California High School Football
Who: Petaluma vs Santa Rosa
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Live stream: Watch here
Fans planning to attend can purchase digital tickets through GoFan, while those who prefer to watch from home can catch the action live on NFHS Network. With non-conference bragging rights on the line, this game is a must-see for local football enthusiasts.
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Team Overview
Petaluma Trojans
The Trojans opened their season with a commanding 41-6 win over Montgomery, demonstrating a balanced and efficient offense. Petaluma currently holds a 1-0 overall record, with their impressive scoring average standing at 41 points per game. Their offense has been dominated by the rushing attack, averaging 457 rushing yards per game, while passing remains minimal.
Key player Jonah Crichton (#3) has been a standout, leading the team with 124 rushing yards per game, which also accounts for his total yards contribution. Despite the early season, the Trojans are proving to be a formidable opponent with their high-powered ground game.
- Overall Record: 1-0
- Points For: 41
- Points Against: 6
- Home Record: 0-0
- Away Record: 1-0
Petaluma will be looking to maintain their momentum as they head into this Friday’s matchup at Santa Rosa.
Santa Rosa Panthers
The Panthers also boast a 1-0 record, starting the season strong with a 35-9 victory against Novato. Santa Rosa has showcased a well-rounded team with solid defensive capabilities and a balanced offense. They have averaged 259 rushing yards and 55 passing yards per game, giving them a total of 314 yards per game.
Key contributors include Rashai Thompson (#2) with 133 rushing yards per game and Israel Gomez-Noriega (#8), who has contributed 55 passing yards per game. On defense, Daniel Mills (#1) leads with an impressive 8 tackles per game, adding a significant edge to the Panthers’ defensive front.
- Overall Record: 1-0
- Points For: 35
- Points Against: 9
- Home Record: 1-0
- Away Record: 0-0
Santa Rosa has the home-field advantage and will look to build upon their solid opening performance.
Offensive and Defensive Matchups
Rushing and Passing
The Trojans’ rushing game is among the best in the region, averaging 457 yards per game compared to Santa Rosa’s 259. This could be a defining factor if Petaluma can consistently move the chains and control the clock. In contrast, Santa Rosa may rely on their ability to mix in both the run and short passing plays, giving their offense flexibility against a tough run defense.
Passing is limited for Petaluma, while Santa Rosa has demonstrated modest aerial production. Their 55 passing yards per game and 54 receiving yards per game will be critical if they need to stretch the field against the Trojans.
Defensive Highlights
Santa Rosa’s defense has been strong early in the season, allowing just 9 points. Their tackling is impressive, with Daniel Mills averaging 8 tackles per game, and they have already recorded 2 sacks. Petaluma will need to find ways to break through this defensive unit if they hope to score against the Panthers’ front line.
Petaluma’s defense is less statistically detailed in the available data, but the Trojans’ ability to limit Montgomery to just 6 points shows their potential to challenge Santa Rosa offensively.
Key Players to Watch
Petaluma Trojans:
- Jonah Crichton (#3): Lead rusher and total yards contributor
- Brody Stevens (#0): Quarterback and receiving stats minimal but could become a factor if passing game opens
Santa Rosa Panthers:
- Rashai Thompson (#2): Lead rusher and key offensive weapon
- Israel Gomez-Noriega (#8): Passing contributor, providing a balanced attack
- Daniel Mills (#1): Defensive leader with tackling dominance
The outcome of this matchup may hinge on these standout players and how well each team executes its game plan.
Game Impact and Rankings
This non-conference game is significant for both teams’ early-season momentum. Petaluma is currently ranked 348th in California and 5,342 nationally, while Santa Rosa holds a 649th California ranking and 9,582 nationally. Both teams’ wins so far indicate strong potential, but this head-to-head matchup will provide insight into how they stack up against competitive peers.
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Previous Games and Common Opponents
- Petaluma: Defeated Montgomery 41-6 on August 29, showing dominance in all four quarters, particularly in the first half.
- Santa Rosa: Won against Novato 35-9, controlling the game with consistent scoring in Q1, Q2, and Q4.
Interestingly, there are no common opponents from the data provided, which means this matchup will give a fresh perspective on both teams’ capabilities against a non-league opponent.
Final Thoughts
The Petaluma vs Santa Rosa matchup is shaping up to be a thrilling contest between two undefeated teams eager to prove their strength early in the season. Petaluma’s explosive rushing attack will face a tough test against a disciplined Santa Rosa defense. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ balanced offensive approach and home-field advantage make them formidable opponents.
Expect an exciting evening of high school football, with key plays from star athletes potentially deciding the outcome. Whether attending in person or watching online, fans can anticipate a tightly contested game with plenty of action from start to finish.
