Orange County football 2024: Trinity League preview, top players, schedules

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OCVarsity will be previewing every Orange County high school football league and every team before the season begins.

TRINITY LEAGUE PREVIEW

The Trinity League is a six-team league that includes JSerra, Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, Servite, Santa Margarita and St. John Bosco.

JSerra head coach Victor Santa Cruz talks with his players during the Trinity League football game against Mater Dei in Santa Ana on Friday, October 6, 2023. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)

JSERRA

Top players: Madden Faraimo, LB, Sr.; Jake Flores, OL, Sr.;  Logan Christensen, WR/Safety, Sr.; Niniva Nicholson, OL, Jr.; Daniel Tuliau, OL, Sr.

What to expect: The Lions enter their second season under coach Victor Santa Cruz with a strong offensive line, a standout at linebacker and a first-year starting quarterback. The offensive line looks like a strength with college-committed seniors Jake Flores (Washington), Daniel Tuliau (San Jose State) and juniors Niniva Nicholson and Josh Haney. Flores and Nicholson were first-team All-Trinity League selections last season and Tuliau made second team. Senior Madden Faraimo is a potential county defensive player of the year at linebacker. He’s 6-foot-3, 230 pounds and healthy after playing last season with a protective padding on his left arm. There are question marks at the offensive skill positions. Ryan Hopkins, a 6-foot-2 junior, is set to become the starter at QB after the transfer of Michael Tollefson to Tustin in late March. Hopkins impressed in the summer by leading the Lions to the quarterfinals of the Battle at the Beach passing tournament. The Lions need to develop Hopkins as well as their depth at wide receiver and running back. Santa Cruz believes that senior running back George Perez, who rushed for 776 yards as a sophomore in 2022, will return after an injury-marred junior season. At cornerback, the development will include transfers Elisha Canales (Long Beach Poly) and Zacarias Nickerson (Warren).

MATER DEI

Top players: Nasir Wyatt, OLB, Sr.; Dash Beierly, QB, Sr.; Chris Henry Jr., WR, Jr.; Daryus Dixson, CB, Sr.; Abduall Sanders Jr., LB, Sr.

What to expect: The Monarchs, the defending CIF-SS Division 1 and CIF State Open Division champion, head into their first season under coach Raul Lara as the consensus No. 1-ranked team in the nation. They’re loaded with returning starters and have added a few impact transfers. The defense was certainly a strength last fall and projects to be stout again. The top returner is outside linebacker Nasir Wyatt, the reigning Orange County defensive player of the year. The Oregon commit has tallied a combined 29 sacks the past two seasons. The defense is well-balanced with linemen Semi Taulanga (Utah commit) and Tomu Topui, linebacker Abduall Sanders Jr. (Alabama) and cornerbacks Daryus Dixson (Penn State) and Chuck McDonald III (Alabama). On offense, dual threat Dash Beierly, a transfer from Chaparral, takes over at quarterback. Beierly impressed during the summer by leading the Monarchs to a nearly undefeated record passing tournaments. The Monarchs’ weapons include running back Jordon Davison (Oregon) and 6-foot-5 tight end Mark Bowman. The deep wide receiver group includes transfer Chris Henry Jr., an Ohio State commit who is one of the top recruits nationally in the Class of 2026. Despite graduating both their standout tackles, the Monarchs’ depth remains strong on the offensive line. Mater Dei added junior tackle Kodi Greene, a transfer from Washington who recently committed to Oregon.

ORANGE LUTHERAN

Top players: TJ Lateef, QB, Sr.; Talanoa Ili, LB, Jr.; Auma Jennings, DL, Jr.; Samuelu Utu, OL, Jr.; Steve Chavez, RB, Sr.

What to expect: The Lancers return three-year starting quarterback TJ Lateef and several linemen for their quest to challenge Mater Dei and St. John Bosco for the top spot in league. Lateef, who is committed to Nebraska, is a vital returner because of his experience, which includes being selected to the Elite 11. He missed some time last season due to injury and finished with 1,965 yards passing and 13 TDs. Orange Lutheran coach Rod Sherman said the Lancers aim to protect Lateef better this fall with an offensive line that features several standouts. Junior Samuelu Utu has been highly recruited while seniors Nehemiah Johnson (UCLA) and Cole Principe (Rice) have committed to colleges. The strength of the offensive line should help running back Steve Chavez, a San Jose State commit who rushed for 971 yards and 16 TDs last season. The Lancers also are deep on the defensive line. They return all-league performers Auma Jennings and Keelan Tagoa’i and a healthy Jireh Moe, who was slowed by injury last season. Junior linebacker Talanoa Ili is the team’s most dynamic player and a potential defensive anchor. The biggest question mark surrounds the secondary. Arizona State commit Benjamin Alefaio is the lone returning all-league selection. New defensive coordinator Todd Lyght, a former NFL All-Pro cornerback with the Rams, should help the secondary. A top task for new offensive coordinator Austin Pettis will be to develop the receiving corp. But the biggest key early in the season for the Lancers will be managing a schedule that MaxPreps calls the toughest in the nation.

SANTA MARGARITA

Top players: Trent Mosley, WR/ATH., Jr.; John Gazzaniga, QB, Sr.; Sean Embree Jr., WR, Sr.; Ethan Thomas, OL, Sr.; Ivrick Carrigan, LB, Jr.

What to expect: The Eagles will blend their established returners with an intriguing mix of developing players and transfers. Junior wide receiver Trent Mosley highlights the returners as the reigning Trinity League co-MVP. Ranked No. 2 in the OCVarsity Hot 150, Mosley finished last season with 81 catches for 1,282 yards and scored 26 TDs. Mosley appeared set to form a strong tandem at receiver with Jonah Smith, a Mater Dei transfer and UCLA commit, but Smith suffered a leg injury. The junior is hopeful to return later in the season. Washington State commit Sean Embree Jr. is back healthy to help lead the receiving corp. John Gazzaniga returns at quarterback following his in-season transfer from Orange Lutheran last season. The 6-foot-7 senior started the Eagles’ first game at the Battle at the Beach passing tournament in July but could share time this season with returner James Johnson. Coach Anthony Rouzier is proud of the team’s development on defense, especially with linemen JJ Hanne (Georgia commit) and Joseph Terry. The Eagles have four other transfers from Mater Dei who are part of an evolving cast of linebackers and defensive backs. The four players are linebackers Dash Fifita and Leki Holani, and defensive backs Jayden Crowder and Siua Holani. All four are juniors. Santa Margarita’s group of linebackers includes Los Alamitos transfer Ivrick Carrigan, a first-team All-Sunset League pick last season. The secondary returns safety Logan Hirou, who had five interceptions last fall. Offensive line will be another area to watch. Starting offensive lineman Jacob Maiava, a second-team All-County pick last season, transferred to Crean Lutheran. The play of all-league returner Ethan Thomas and USC commit Elijah Vaikona (6-8, 368), a mammoth transfer from Division 10 Xavier Prep, will be critical on the offensive line.

Servite quarterback Leo Hannan throws a pass against Mater Dei in the CIF-SS Division 2 football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, November 25, 2023. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)

SERVITE

Top players: Quaid Carr, RB, Sr.; Leo Hannan, QB, Sr.; Tomas Cernius, DE, Sr.; Isaiah Leilua, LB, So.; Devan Parker, WR/KR, Jr.

What to expect: The Friars are aiming for more progress after finishing as the CIF-SS Division 2 runner-up last season. In their first campaign under coach Chris Reinert, Servite went 8-6 after posting a 1-9 mark in 2022. The squad will be led by running back Quaid Carr and quarterback Leo Hannan, a pair of seniors who earned All-Trinity League honors last season. Carr, who is committed to San Diego State, recorded six consecutive 100-yard rushing games in the second half of 2023 and tallied 1,201 yards and 17 TDs overall. Hannan, a Michigan State commit, passed for 2,429 yards and 14 TDs in his first season as the full-time starter. Servite should support both players with a strong offensive line. The Friars return seniors such as Brandon Bass and Gavin Jones and could start impressive freshmen Elisha Mueller (6-4, 295) and Keiden Lokeni (6-2, 330). One area to watch on offense will be wide receiver. The Friars need to develop a supporting cast to put around junior Devan Parker, who had 53 catches for 605 yards last season. Junior tight end Luke Sorensen (6-4, 230) could emerge as a prime target. The Friars have the most questions on defense. They return strong players such as defensive end Tomas Cernius (10.5 sacks last season), leading tackler Isaiah Leilua at linebacker and defensive backs Tristin Ordaz and Saxon Churchwell. The key, however, will be improving a unit that allowed 46.4 points per game in league last season.

Quarterback Matai Fuiava steps back to pass during St. John Bosco’s annual spring intra-squad football game on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Bellflower. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

ST. JOHN BOSCO

Top players: Dutch Horisk, DE, Jr.; Epi Sitanilei, DE, Sr.; Puka Moe, OL, Sr.; Madden Williams, WR, Jr.; Daniel Odom, WR, Jr.

What to expect: The Braves are retooling after claiming the outright league title last season and finishing as the Division 1 runner-up to Mater Dei. On offense, they’re looking to replace their QB, their top two running backs and top two wide receivers. On defense, they’re looking to fill the massive shoes of linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, now at Notre Dame. The rebuilding will start on both lines of scrimmage. The offensive line is anchored by returning starters Matthew Perdue, Puka Moe and Adrian Tavui. On defense, the Braves return standout defensive ends Epi Sitanilei (UCLA commit) and Dutch Horisk (11.5 sacks) along with starter Lance Olive-Enos. Horisk was the league’s co-lineman of the year in 2023. St. John Bosco has lost a few players to transfers, including starting left guard Matai Jefferson (Warren) and defensive lineman Max Amasio (Leuzinger). The Braves entered the Battle at the Beach passing tournament with four QBs competing but junior Matai Fuiava started in the finals against Mission Viejo. At wide receiver, juniors Madden Williams and Daniel Odom look ready for the spotlight after combining for 78 receptions last fall. USC-committed defensive back Joshua Holland II is another junior to watch. “The biggest challenge is going to be the maturity of our group,” Braves coach Jason Negro said.

TRINITY LEAGUE SCHEDULES 2024

JSERRA  

Date   
Opponent  
Location  
Time  

Aug. 23  
Vs. Sierra Canyon  
JSerra HS  
7 p.m.  

Aug. 29  
At Aquinas  
Aquinas HS  
7 p.m.  

Sept. 6  
Vs. Clovis North  
JSerra HS  
7 p.m.  

Sept. 13  
At San Diego Lincoln  
Lincoln HS  
7 p.m.  

Sept. 20  
At Damien  
Damien HS  
7 p.m.  

Oct. 4*  
Vs. Servite  
JSerra HS  
7 p.m.  

Oct. 11*  
At Orange Lutheran  
Orange Coast College  
7 p.m.  

Oct. 18*  
Vs. Mater Dei  
JSerra HS  
7 p.m.  

Oct. 24*  
At Santa Margarita  
Trabuco Hills HS   
7 p.m.  

Nov. 1*  
At St. John Bosco  
St. John Bosco HS   
7 p.m.  

*League game  

MATER DEI  

Date   
Opponent  
Location  
Time  

Aug. 22  
Vs. Corona Centennial  
Santa Ana Stadium 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 6  
Vs. Bishop Gorman 
Santa Ana Stadium 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 14 
At Kahuku  
Kahuku, HI 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 20  
Vs. St. Frances Academy  
Santa Ana Stadium 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 4*  
At Santa Margarita  
Trabuco Hills HS 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 11*  
At Servite  
Mt. San Antonio College 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 18*  
At JSerra 
JSerra HS 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 25*  
Vs. St. John Bosco  
Santa Ana Stadium  
7 p.m.  

 Nov. 1* 
Vs. Orange Lutheran 
Santa Ana Stadium 
7 p.m.  

*League game  

ORANGE LUTHERAN  

Date   
Opponent  
Location  
Time  

Aug. 23  
At Serra  
Serra HS  
7 p.m.  

Aug. 30  
At Rancho Cucamonga  
Rancho Cucamonga HS 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 6  
Vs. Baltimore St. Frances 
Orange Coast College 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 13  
At Bishop Gorman 
Bishop Gorman HS 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 21  
At Sierra Canyon  
Sierra Canyon HS 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 4*  
At St. John Bosco 
St. John Bosco HS 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 11*  
Vs. JSerra 
Orange Coast College 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 18*  
Vs. Santa Margarita 
Orange Coast College 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 25*  
Vs. Servite  
Orange Coast College 
7 p.m.  

Nov. 1*  
At Mater Dei  
Santa Ana Stadium 
7 p.m.  

*League game  

SANTA MARGARITA  

Date   
Opponent  
Location  
Time  

Aug. 24  
At Mission Viejo  
Mission Viejo HS 
7 p.m.  

Aug. 30  
At Corona Centennial  
Centennial HS 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 6  
Vs. Bakersfield Liberty 
Trabuco Hills HS 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 12  
Vs. Oaks Christian  
Trabuco Hills HS 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 20  
At Leuzinger  
Leuzinger HS 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 4*  
Vs. Mater Dei  
Trabuco Hills HS 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 11*  
At St. John Bosco 
St. John Bosco HS 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 18*  
At Orange Lutheran 
Orange Coast College 
7 p.m. 

Oct. 25*  
Vs. JSerra 
Trabuco Hills HS 
7 p.m.  

Nov. 1* 
Vs. Servite 
Trabuco Hills HS 
7 p.m. 

*League game  

SERVITE  

Date   
Opponent  
Location  
Time  

Aug. 23  
Vs. Salt Lake City East 
Orange Coast College 
7 p.m.  

Aug. 30  
At Murrieta Valley  
Murrieta Valley HS 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 6  
At Chaminade  
Chaminade HS 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 13  
Vs. Notre Dame  
Orange Coast College 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 27  
Vs. St. Paul  
Orange Coast College 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 4*  
At JSerra 
JSerra HS 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 11*  
Vs. Mater Dei 
Mt. San Antonio College 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 18*  
Vs. St. John Bosco 
Santa Ana Stadium 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 25*  
At Orange Lutheran 
Orange Coast College   
7 p.m.  

Nov. 1* 
At Santa Margarita 
Trabuco Hills HS 
7 p.m.  

*League game  

ST. JOHN BOSCO

Date   
Opponent  
Location  
Time  

Aug. 24  
At Chaminade-Madonna  
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 
8 p.m.  

Aug. 30  
Vs. El Paso Eastwood  
St. John Bosco HS 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 7  
At Sierra Canyon  
Sierra Canyon HS 
7 p.m.  

Sept. 14  
At San Mateo Serra  
San Mateo Serra HS 
1:30 p.m.  

Sept. 20  
Vs. Pittsburg 
St. John Bosco HS 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 4*  
Vs. Orange Lutheran  
St. John Bosco HS 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 11*  
Vs. Santa Margarita  
 St. John Bosco HS 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 18*  
At Servite 
Santa Ana Bowl 
7 p.m.  

Oct. 25*  
At Mater Dei  
Santa Ana Bowl 
7 p.m.  

Nov. 1*  
Vs. JSerra 
St. John Bosco HS 
7 p.m.  

*League game 

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