Vista Football Opens With a Heartbreaker and a Tough Road Loss |
High school football is officially back in Vista — and apparently nobody ordered the quiet opening weekend |
Vista High came within a single point of winning a 93-point shootout against Sweetwater, while Rancho Buena Vista opened its season with a road loss at Otay Ranch.
Two games. Two losses. But two very different stories heading into Week 2.
Vista Falls One Point Short
The Vista Panthers opened the season Friday, Aug. 21, on the road against Sweetwater in National City.
The final: Sweetwater 47, Vista 46.
Yes, one point.
The two teams combined for 93 points, and Vista made a significant push during the third quarter, outscoring Sweetwater 19–6 in the period.
It wasn't enough to erase the final one-point difference, leaving the Panthers 0–1 to start the season.
Still, putting 46 points on the board in the opener gives Vista something considerably more encouraging to take into Week 2 than the final record alone suggests.
And this time, they'll get to play at home.
Rancho Buena Vista Drops Opener at Otay Ranch
Rancho Buena Vista also started its season on the road Friday, traveling to Chula Vista to face Otay Ranch.
The Longhorns fell 23–14, dropping RBV to 0–1.
RBV is coming off a 6–5 season in 2025 that included a 13–12 win over crosstown rival Vista and a trip to the CIF San Diego Section Division IV playoffs.
Guess Who RBV Gets Next?
Rancho Buena Vista travels to National City next Friday to play Sweetwater — the same team that escaped with Friday night's one-point victory over Vista.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.
Vista, meanwhile, gets its first home game of the season when the Panthers host Olympian at 7 p.m.
That gives Vista football fans two pretty good reasons to keep an eye on next Friday's scoreboard.
The Panthers will try to turn an explosive 46-point opener into their first victory.
The Longhorns will get their own shot at the Sweetwater team that just survived Vista by the narrowest possible margin.
Football season has arrived.
And after Week 1, Vista already has a couple of storylines worth following.
Questions You May Have About Vista High School Football
What was the Vista High football score?
Vista lost to Sweetwater 47–46 on Friday, Aug. 21.
What was the Rancho Buena Vista score?
Rancho Buena Vista lost to Otay Ranch 23–14.
Who does Vista play next?
Vista hosts Olympian at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.
Who does Rancho Buena Vista play next?
RBV travels to Sweetwater for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff Friday, Aug. 28. |
18 Comments
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Kinda feels like RBV can’t catch a break lately. Maybe Sweetwater will be their reset button.
Olympian is no joke but Vista at home will be tough to beat. Hoping for fewer nailbiters!
Whoever wrote this article needs to fact check themselves. RBV went 6-5 last season and went to the playoffs, beating Vista in week 10, impossible to lose 7 consecutive games. SMH
My little cousin plays for Vista. He said the team still feels positive! Gonna be a good season.
Vista’s offense is hot, defense needs work. But home field should help! Olympian better be ready.
Paul BennettTotally agree, home games usually give the Panthers a boost. If the defense steps up even a little, they could run away with it against Olympian.
Lost 7 in a row is a lie. RBV beat Vista last season at the end and Fallbrook.
Dang, nearly 100 points in one game?! That’s wild for high school. Must’ve been an amazing game.
JohnnyFIt was an amazing experience watching this game!
RBV’s losing streak is rough, but maybe playing Sweetwater after they had a close one with Vista will be the spark!
Alicia MoralesDon’t believe this article. We (RBV) went 6-5 last season and went to the playoffs, so there’s no way we could have lost seven consecutive games.
Alicia MoralesYeah, you never know. Sweetwater might come in a little overconfident after barely beating Vista. Could be just what RBV needs to snap out of their funk!
Sweetwater is looking pretty strong beating both Vista and now hosting RBV. Curious to see if they keep it up.
Looking forward to the home opener. Go Panthers! I’ll be cheering in the stands Friday.
Can’t believe Vista scored 19 in the third quarter and still lost. Hope they get that W at home next time.
Panthers putting up 46 means the offense is looking good. Gotta tighten up that defense though!
Seven losses in a row for RBV stings. Maybe they can turn it around against Sweetwater. Never know!
Always tough to lose by just one! Hope Vista keeps that fire next game. 46 points is still impressive.