When we started putting together our high school football coverage, the obvious names came first.

Vista. Rancho Buena Vista. San Marcos. Mission Hills.

But Friday night football around here doesn't stop with the big public schools.

Tri-City Christian in Vista and Saint Joseph Academy in San Marcos both field varsity football teams, giving North Valley fans two more hometown programs to follow this season.

And one of them enters 2026 chasing its third straight CIF championship.

Tri-City Christian Gets Started in Vista

Tri-City Christian's Eagles open their 2026 season on the road August 21 against Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School before returning to Vista for their home opener against Temecula Prep on August 28.

Here's the Eagles' currently published varsity schedule:

• Aug. 21 — at Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School, 3 p.m.

• Aug. 28 — vs. Temecula Prep, 7 p.m.

• Sept. 4 — at Hamilton, 7 p.m.

• Sept. 11 — vs. Nuview Bridge, 7 p.m.

• Sept. 18 — vs. Foothills Christian, 7 p.m.*

• Oct. 2 — at Victory Christian Academy, 7 p.m.*

• Oct. 16 — at O'Farrell Charter, time TBA*

• Oct. 23 — vs. Orange Glen, 7 p.m.*

• Oct. 30 — at Maranatha Christian, 7 p.m.

*Sunset League game

Tri-City Christian School is located at 302 N. Emerald Drive in Vista.

The school's athletics program emphasizes character, teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship alongside competition — and this season we'll be adding the Eagles to our regular Vista football coverage.

The Crusaders Have a Title to Defend — Again

Over in San Marcos, Saint Joseph Academy enters the season with a considerably larger target on its back.

The Crusaders play 8-man football and have won consecutive CIF San Diego Section championships.

Saint Joseph captured its first CIF football championship in 2024 and did it again in 2025, defeating Borrego Springs 68-13 in the championship game.

Now comes the obvious question:

Can they make it three?

The Crusaders begin that chase at home August 21 against River Springs Charter School.

Here's their currently published schedule:

• Aug. 21 — vs. River Springs Charter School, 7 p.m.

• Aug. 29 — at Santa Clarita Christian, 7 p.m.

• Sept. 4 — vs. Cornerstone Christian, 7 p.m.

• Sept. 18 — vs. Borrego Springs, 7 p.m.

• Oct. 2 — vs. Mammoth, 7 p.m.

• Oct. 16 — at Julian, 3:30 p.m.

• Oct. 23 — vs. West Shores, 7 p.m.

• Oct. 30 — at Francis Parker, 7 p.m.*

*Ocean League 8-Man game

Saint Joseph Academy is located at 500 Las Flores Drive in San Marcos.

And there's already one date worth noticing: September 18.

That's when Borrego Springs — the team Saint Joseph defeated for last year's championship — comes to San Marcos.

No, it's not the championship game this time.

But we'd imagine both sidelines remember the last meeting.

Six Local Teams to Follow

Adding these two programs gives us a much better picture of high school football in Vista and San Marcos this season.

Vista has Vista High, Rancho Buena Vista and Tri-City Christian.

San Marcos has San Marcos High, Mission Hills and Saint Joseph Academy.

Six teams. Plenty of Friday nights. And, in Saint Joseph's case, a potential three-peat to keep an eye on.

We'll be following all six throughout the season with scores, notable performances and upcoming matchups.

Because the biggest school in town doesn't necessarily have the biggest story.

Schedules and kickoff times can change during the season, so fans should verify game information before attending.

Questions About Christian Schools Football Games

What private schools play high school football in Vista and San Marcos?

Tri-City Christian School in Vista and Saint Joseph Academy in San Marcos both field varsity football teams.

When does Tri-City Christian begin its 2026 season?

The Eagles are currently scheduled to open August 21 on the road against Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School.

Does Saint Joseph Academy play 11-man football?

No. Saint Joseph competes in 8-man football.

Did Saint Joseph win the CIF championship last season?

Yes. Saint Joseph defeated Borrego Springs 68-13 to capture its second consecutive CIF San Diego Section football championship in 2025.

When do Saint Joseph and Borrego Springs play again?

Their regular-season rematch is currently scheduled for September 18 at Saint Joseph Academy.

Will North Valley Flare cover the private-school teams this season?

Yes. Tri-City Christian will be included with our Vista football coverage, while Saint Joseph Academy will be included with our San Marcos coverage.