Friday nights in Manhattan Beach just hit different. You can smell the salt air mixing with the concession stand popcorn, and if you're anywhere near Waller Stadium, you’ve probably heard the roar of the "Stampede" student section long before you actually saw the lights. But honestly, keeping track of the mira costa football schedule can feel like a part-time job if you aren't glued to the right Twitter accounts or MaxPreps updates.
It’s more than just a list of dates. It's a logistical puzzle for parents and a social roadmap for the kids. If you've lived here for more than a week, you know that the Bay League is basically a pressure cooker. Every season, the Mustangs are balancing a brutal non-league slate with the high-stakes rivalry games that define South Bay sports.
Breaking Down the Recent Mira Costa Football Schedule
Let’s look at how the 2025 season actually played out, because it tells you everything you need to know about the program's trajectory. The Mustangs started like a house on fire. They went on a five-game tear that had everyone in town talking about a deep CIF run.
They opened the year by absolutely dismantling St. Francis 45-19. It wasn't even close. Then came the big one—the early-season matchup against Redondo Union. Winning that 31-0 on the road? That's the kind of result that keeps the alumni happy for a full year. They followed that up with a gritty 35-33 win over La Habra and solid victories against San Juan Hills and Villa Park.
But then, the Bay League schedule happened. The back half of the year was a gauntlet.
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- October 3: A 14-0 defensive struggle against Lawndale (W).
- October 10: They traveled to Culver City and handled business 37-14.
- October 17: The wheels hit a bit of a snag with a tight 21-17 loss to Inglewood.
- October 24: A tough road trip to Leuzinger resulted in a 27-14 loss.
- October 31: The regular-season finale against Palos Verdes was a heartbreaker, losing 18-15.
That late-season skid meant they finished 7-4 overall, but just 2-3 in league play. Still, it was enough to punch a ticket to the CIF Southern Section Division 3 playoffs, where they eventually fell in a 42-35 shootout against Chino Hills.
Why the Schedule Always Seems to Shift
One thing you’ve probably noticed if you follow the mira costa football schedule is that kickoff times are... flexible. While 7:00 PM is the standard, CIF playoff games or televised "Games of the Week" can slide that to 7:30 PM or even move games to Thursdays.
Also, Waller Stadium isn't just for football. Between soccer, track, and community events, the field is the busiest real estate in Manhattan Beach. If you’re planning to attend, you basically have to check the official school calendar 48 hours before kickoff just to be safe.
The Homecoming and Senior Night Factor
If you only go to two games, these are the ones. Homecoming is usually late October—in 2025, it was the Leuzinger game on the 24th. It's a circus. There’s a tailgate that usually starts around 5:00 PM, and tickets for that often include food like burgers, fries, and churros. Senior Night is the final home game, where the atmosphere gets a little more emotional.
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The Players Making the Schedule Matter
You can't talk about the schedule without talking about who’s actually on the field. The 2025-26 roster was senior-heavy, which explains why they were so competitive early on.
Liam Meeker took the snaps at QB, and his connection with receivers like Luke Meeker and Barrett Ryan was a highlight reel waiting to happen. Barrett Ryan is a physical mismatch at 6'3", and honestly, seeing him outrun DBs made the drive to away games worth it. On the defensive side, you had guys like Jackson Reach and AJ McBean anchoring the linebacker corps.
It wasn't just seniors, though. Sophomores like Kole Fitzl (QB) and Shawn Yarbrough (a massive 6'4" lineman) got some serious reps, which bodes well for the next few seasons.
Where to Find the Most Accurate Info
Look, I love a good printed schedule on a fridge, but in the CIF-SS world, things change fast. If you're looking for the most reliable updates, here is where you should actually look:
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- The Official Athletics Site: The Mira Costa High School website has an "Events" section that lists everything from JV water polo to Varsity football.
- MaxPreps: This is the gold standard for stats and box scores. If you want to know how many yards Liam Meeker threw for against Villa Park, go here.
- The Booster Club: The Mira Costa Football Booster Club (miracostafootball.com) is usually the best place for ticket info and spirit wear.
What to Expect for Next Season
Looking ahead, the mira costa football schedule for the 2026 season is already taking shape. We know the Bay League matchups will rotate locations—expect Palos Verdes and Redondo Union to be the high-demand tickets.
The Mustangs will be in a rebuilding phase after losing a big senior class, but the program's depth is real. The JV team had a solid 2025, and many of those guys are expected to step up.
If you're planning on going to games, remember that tickets are usually handled through digital platforms now. Gone are the days of just handing a five-dollar bill to a kid at a card table. Most schools in the South Bay have moved to GoFan or similar apps.
Actionable Steps for Mustang Fans
To stay ahead of the curve for the upcoming season, here is what you should do right now:
- Download the GoFan App: Most Bay League schools use this for ticket sales. Don't be the person stuck at the gate trying to find a signal to download the app while the game is kicking off.
- Sync the Google Calendar: The Mira Costa flag football and tackle programs often share their schedules via a public Google Calendar. Add it to your phone so you get alerts for time changes.
- Check the "Green and Gold" Game: This is the annual intra-squad scrimmage. It’s usually held in late August and is the best way to see the new starters before the real schedule begins.
- Follow local South Bay sports reporters: Guys like Dave Thorpe or the accounts for the Beach Reporter often get news on injuries or venue changes before the official school sites do.
The schedule is more than a list of games; it's the rhythm of the fall semester in Manhattan Beach. Whether they're 7-0 or fighting for a playoff spot, the atmosphere at Waller Stadium remains one of the best high school experiences in Southern California.