The 2025 California high school football season continues with a non-conference matchup as the Central Spartans host the Palm Desert Aztecs on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Both teams are coming off opening-week wins and will look to stay unbeaten in this early-season showdown.
Game Details
○ Matchup: Palm Desert (Palm Desert, CA) vs Central (El Centro, CA)
○ Date & Time: Friday, August 29, 2025 – 7:00 PM
○ Location: Central High School, El Centro, CA
○ Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Fans can attend in person by purchasing digital tickets on GoFan or stream the action live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).
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Palm Desert Aztecs
The Aztecs are ranked #4,452 nationally, #291 in California, and #132 in their section. Palm Desert started the season with a 23-12 home win, leaning on a stout defense and timely offensive execution. They’ll aim to carry that formula into a tough road contest.
○ 2025 Record: 1-0
○ National Rank: #4,452
○ State Rank: #291 (CA)
○ Section Rank: #132
○ Strengths: Defensive toughness, efficient offense, confidence from Week 1 win
○ Key to Win: Limit Central’s explosive plays and control the clock
Central Spartans
Central enters ranked #2,778 nationally, #210 in California, and #21 in their section. The Spartans rolled to a 47-14 victory in their opener, showcasing offensive balance and defensive pressure. Playing at home again, they’ll look to continue their dominance.
○ 2025 Record: 1-0
○ National Rank: #2,778
○ State Rank: #210 (CA)
○ Section Rank: #21
○ Strengths: Explosive offense, home-field advantage, defensive playmaking
○ Key to Win: Establish tempo early and force Palm Desert into mistakes
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Class/Section Rank | Record | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Desert Aztecs | 4,452 | 291 (CA) | 132 | 1-0 | 23 | 12 |
| Central Spartans | 2,778 | 210 (CA) | 21 | 1-0 | 47 | 14 |
Melvin Smith is a high school sports enthusiast with a passion for capturing the energy of student competitions. He enjoys sharing stories that celebrate athletes’ dedication and the community spirit of the game.