Exciting High School Football Matchups in Bakersfield This Friday

A Week of Anticipation in Local Football

As the summer sun relinquishes its grip, the anticipation of high school football season is palpable across Bakersfield and its surrounding communities. On Friday, August 28, 2025, football fans are poised for matchups that promise to be exhilarating and tightly contested. The stakes are high, especially as teams seek to establish themselves early on in the season.

Game of the Week: Valencia vs. Chaminade

This week’s highlight features Valencia (1-0) taking on Chaminade (1-0), with both teams zeroing in on claiming the coveted No. 2 spot within the local rankings. Football aficionados can expect to see stellar quarterback performances, particularly from Valencia’s Brady Bretthauer and Chaminade’s Cameron Pooley. These promising young players are set to define their school's hopes this season.

Alongside the dual QB showdown, both teams boast formidable running backs. Valencia’s Brian Bonner, poised for a bright future at Washington, contrasts sharply with Chaminade’s emerging star, Marquis Jones. Jones has begun to gain traction as a top back within the Northern Los Angeles area, and his performance will be crucial for Chaminade's success.

When it comes to the offensive line, Chaminade appears to hold the advantage, which could prove pivotal in a match where both teams rely heavily on their running game. Expect a fierce battle, but Tarek's pick leans toward Chaminade to clinch the victory.

Looking Ahead: Sierra Canyon at Oaks Christian

Another matchup to keep an eye on is Sierra Canyon (1-0) against Oaks Christian (0-1). Following a disappointing defeat against Chaminade, Oaks Christian is at a crossroads early in the season. With tough games ahead against Liberty (NV), Santa Margarita, and Gardena Serra, this could be a make-or-break moment for the Lions.

Sierra Canyon is riding a wave of momentum after their impressive 35-0 thrashing of JSerra. With running back Jaxsen Stokes showcasing his potential by racking up over 100 yards and scoring three touchdowns, it’s clear Sierra Canyon is positioned as a strong competitor this season. The approach taken by Oaks Christian against Sierra Canyon will determine their trajectory going forward, as Tarek predicts a win for Sierra Canyon.

Westlake vs. Agoura: Battle on the 101 Freeway

The rivalry intensifies with Westlake (1-0) squaring off against Agoura (1-0). Westlake fans are buoyed by new head coach Rick Clausen’s success, including a stellar performance by freshman quarterback Ford Green, who threw for 218 yards and four touchdowns last week. Meanwhile, Agoura's efforts have showcased a balanced offensive unit featuring Gavin Gray, George Hastings, and Tyler Starling, who collectively drove their team to a significant Week 0 victory.

This matchup is set to be a revealing one as both teams share aspirations for domination in their conference and a deep postseason run. Tarek sees Agoura's consistency as a crucial element and predicts their success over Westlake.

Historic Rivalry: Notre Dame vs. Alemany

Old-school fans might feel a wave of nostalgia as Notre Dame (0-1) faces Alemany (0-1) in what was once a hallmark Mission League feud. Despite recent form suggesting neither team is at their peak, both squads are eager to claim bragging rights. Notre Dame is inspired to rebound after a last-minute loss to Downey, and with their recent history against Alemany, Tarek's pick favors Notre Dame for a strong comeback.

Emerging Teams: El Camino Real vs. Heritage Christian

The upcoming clash between El Camino Real (1-0) and Heritage Christian (1-0) highlights the trend of new, promising leadership within these teams. The mutual respect between seasoned coaches signifies an era of fostering talent and camaraderie that both communities value highly.

El Camino Real has shown marked improvements this year, but Heritage Christian is expected to leverage their size and athleticism to gain an edge. Tarek picks Heritage Christian for the win, asserting that their physical advantage may tilt the odds.

St. Bonaventure AT Birmingham Charter

Concluding this week’s action, St. Bonaventure (1-0) will challenge Birmingham Charter (1-0). Birmingham’s impressive victory last week raised eyebrows across the board, driving home the message they are contenders for the City Section's Open Division title once again. Each team brings notable strengths, making this confrontation one to watch closely as both seek to build their winning records.

Conclusion: Friday’s Games Await

With an exciting slate of games ahead, local fans have much to look forward to this Friday. The combination of seasoned rivalries, burgeoning talent, and the palpable energy of the new season makes these matchups essential viewing. Keep your spirits high as we cheer for our local teams and hope to witness great football moments unfold!