Football season is back in San Marcos, and depending on which side of town you're cheering from, your Friday nights are going to look a little different.

San Marcos High begins 2026 with a road-heavy start before settling in at home. Mission Hills gets almost the exact opposite treatment, opening with back-to-back games in front of the home crowd.

The Knights and Grizzlies eventually wind up in the same place — across the field from each other to finish the regular season.

But we've got a lot of football before we get there.

The Knights Start With Some Miles to Cover

San Marcos High opens August 21 at Aliso Niguel, then heads to Great Oak the following Friday.

Knights fans finally get their first home game September 4 when Poway comes to San Marcos.

Here's the currently listed San Marcos High varsity schedule:

- Aug. 21 — at Aliso Niguel, 7 p.m.

- Aug. 28 — at Great Oak, 7 p.m.

- Sept. 4 — vs. Poway, 7:15 p.m.

- Sept. 18 — at San Pasqual, 7 p.m.

- Sept. 25 — vs. Lincoln, 7:15 p.m.

- Oct. 2 — vs. Oceanside, 7:15 p.m.

- Oct. 9 — vs. La Costa Canyon, 7:15 p.m.*

- Oct. 16 — at Carlsbad, 7 p.m.*

- Oct. 23 — vs. Torrey Pines, 7:15 p.m.*

- Oct. 30 — at Mission Hills, 7:15 p.m.*

*Avocado West League game

San Marcos High School is located at 1615 W. San Marcos Blvd. The school's football information also notes that tickets go on sale the Monday before each game.

The Grizzlies Get Home Cooking Early

Mission Hills won't need the team bus for opening night.

The Grizzlies welcome El Camino to San Marcos on August 21, then stay home to face Quartz Hill on August 28.

Their first road trip comes September 4 at Oceanside.

Here's the currently listed Mission Hills varsity schedule:

- Aug. 21 — vs. El Camino, 7:15 p.m.

- Aug. 28 — vs. Quartz Hill, 7 p.m.

- Sept. 4 — at Oceanside, 7 p.m.

- Sept. 11 — at Granite Hills, 7 p.m.

- Sept. 18 — vs. Ramona, 7:15 p.m.

- Oct. 2 — at La Costa Canyon, 7 p.m.*

- Oct. 9 — at Carlsbad, 7 p.m.*

- Oct. 16 — vs. Torrey Pines, 7:15 p.m.*

- Oct. 23 — at Rancho Bernardo, 7:15 p.m.

- Oct. 30 — vs. San Marcos, 7:15 p.m.*

*Avocado West League game

Mission Hills High School is located at 1 Mission Hills Court in San Marcos.

And Then Things Get Interesting

You knew we weren't going to ignore this one.

October 30.

San Marcos High travels a few miles across town to Mission Hills for the final game on both teams' currently listed regular-season schedules.

They're cross-town rivals. They're both Avocado West League teams. And they're playing on the final Friday of the regular season.

That's the kind of scheduling decision we can appreciate.

Depending on what happens during the nine weeks before it, the game could have implications beyond simply deciding which group of students gets to enjoy bragging rights for the next year.

We'll worry about that when October gets here.

For now, San Marcos has an entire football season in front of it — and two hometown teams worth keeping an eye on.

Schedules, kickoff times and locations can change during the season, so fans should verify game details with the schools before attending.

Questions About San Marcos Schools' Football Schedule 

When does San Marcos High play its first home game?

The Knights are scheduled to host Poway on Friday, September 4 at 7:15 p.m.

Does Mission Hills start the season at home?

Yes. The Grizzlies host El Camino on August 21 and Quartz Hill on August 28 before playing their first road game.

When do San Marcos High and Mission Hills play each other?

The Knights are currently scheduled to visit Mission Hills on Friday, October 30 at 7:15 p.m.

Are the Knights and Grizzlies in the same league?

Yes. San Marcos High and Mission Hills both compete in the Avocado West League.

Where does San Marcos High play?

San Marcos High School is located at 1615 W. San Marcos Blvd. in San Marcos.

Where is Mission Hills High School?

Mission Hills High School is located at 1 Mission Hills Court in San Marcos.