Friday night lights in Dana Point just hit different lately. If you’ve been following the Dana Hills football schedule, you know the Dolphins aren’t just "participating" anymore—they are becoming a powerhouse.
We are talking about a program that, not too long ago, struggled to find its identity. Now? Under Head Coach Tony Henney, they are a team that expects to win every time they step onto that turf at 33333 Golden Lantern. The 2025 season has been a whirlwind of high-scoring blowouts and nail-biting finishes that have kept the "Pod Squad" screaming until their voices gave out.
The 2025 Dana Hills Football Schedule Breakdown
Honestly, looking back at the 2025 slate, it was designed to test the Dolphins' mettle early. They didn't take the easy way out. They opened up with a defensive slugfest against Desert Oasis on August 22, scraping out a 10-6 win that proved this team could win ugly if they had to.
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Then the offense woke up.
Between August 29 and September 19, Dana Hills went on a scoring tear that left opponents dizzy. They put up 30 on El Modena, a staggering 63 on Esperanza, and 41 on Wilson. By the time they dropped 47 on Tesoro in mid-September, the rest of the Southern Section was officially on notice.
The Foxtrot League Gauntlet
League play is where things usually get messy, and 2025 was no exception. The Dana Hills football schedule moved into the Foxtrot League in October, starting with a dominant 35-14 win over Aliso Niguel.
The middle of October was essentially a victory lap.
- Oct 10: A 49-28 homecoming win against Orange.
- Oct 17: A 49-13 demolition of Fountain Valley.
But every season has its "what if" moment. For Dana Hills, it was October 24 against Laguna Beach. In a high-octane shootout that looked more like a video game than a high school football match, the Dolphins fell 49-40. It was their first real stumble, but it didn't break them. They bounced back the following week to crush Northwood 49-6, proving that the Laguna Beach loss was just a blip on the radar.
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The Players Who Made the Schedule Work
You can't talk about the schedule without talking about the guys actually playing the games. Coach Henney had some massive shoes to fill after quarterback Vanden Duggar graduated, but the transition to sophomore Carter Anderson and senior Tommy Moro was handled masterfully.
James Leicester remained a nightmare for defensive coordinators. After a 900-yard season in 2024, he continued to be the "go-to" guy when a big play was needed. And on the other side of the ball? Thompson Foulger.
Foulger is basically a heat-seeking missile in a helmet. After recording 172 tackles the previous year, the Foxtrot League Defensive Player of the Year remained the heart and soul of the defense. Along with Micah Langohr and Trevor Blackmore on the line, the Dolphins' defense became a unit that nobody wanted to see on their own schedule.
Surprising Depth and Growing Pains
One thing most people get wrong about the 2025 Dolphins is thinking they were just a "star power" team. They weren't. The depth on the offensive line—anchored by 6-foot-6 Logan Day and the massive Issaias Amaya—gave the quarterbacks the time they needed to operate. Day, specifically, had an incredible offseason, jumping from 195 pounds to 260 to fill out his frame. That kind of dedication is why this team is 10-2.
However, the season wasn't without its scares. Chuck Eckl, the star tight end and defensive end, suffered a hairline fracture in his elbow during the offseason. While he eventually made it back, guys like Stephen Reda and Jack Norman had to step up in a big way during those early August and September games.
Playoff Run: The Aquinas and Palos Verdes Battles
The post-season is where legends are made, right? The Dolphins entered the Division 6 playoffs with a head of steam.
On November 7, they faced Aquinas in a game that people in Dana Point will be talking about for years. A 27-26 victory that came down to the final possessions. It was gritty. It was stressful. It was classic Dolphin football.
Unfortunately, the road ended on November 14 against Palos Verdes. In a heartbreaking 14-13 loss, the Dolphins fell just one point short of moving deeper into the bracket. A 10-2 overall record is nothing to sneeze at, but you could tell the players felt they had more in the tank.
What to Watch for Next
If you're looking at the Dana Hills football schedule for the upcoming seasons, the blueprint is clear. Henney has built a culture of consistency. They aren't the "underdogs" anymore; they are the team with the target on their back.
For fans and parents, the best way to stay involved is through the DHHS Football 12th Man Booster Club. High school sports at this level aren't cheap, and the community support is basically the fuel that keeps this engine running.
Next Steps for Dolphin Fans:
- Sync the Calendar: If you missed the 2025 run, start checking the official Dana Hills Athletics site in late spring for the 2026 scrimmage dates.
- Get the Gear: The "Dolphin Merch" at the stadium sells out fast during league play, especially for the rivalry games against Laguna Beach and Aliso Niguel.
- Watch the Replays: Most of the 2025 games were streamed on the NFHS Network or via MaxPreps. It’s worth going back to watch the Aquinas game just to see the defensive stand in the fourth quarter.
The era of Dana Hills being a "easy win" for South Orange County teams is officially over.