It’s Mater Dei vs. St. John Bosco again, and again so much is at stake.
They are tied for first place in the Trinity League, both with 3-0 league records going into Friday’s 7 p.m. game at Santa Ana Stadium.
A chance at a national championship is on the line, too. The MaxPreps national rankings have Mater Dei at No. 1, St. John Bosco at No. 2.
The game could again be the first part of a two-part series. St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei 28-0 last year in a league game. Mater Dei defeated St. John Bosco 35-7 in the CIF-SS Division 1 championship game a few weeks later.
Friday’s game will be televised live by Fan Duel Sports channels, which until this week were Bally Sports channels.
A look at the teams …
Mater Dei offense
Senior quarterback Dash Beierly has thrown for 999 yards and 14 touchdowns without an interception. The Monarchs receivers corps is led by Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who has offers from many top college programs and catches everything near him. Jordon Davison is a quick and powerful running back with thighs that look like they are made of concrete.
Mater Dei defense
Semi Taulanga, who committed to Utah, and Tomu Topui are 300-pounders on a massive defensive line. The linebackers crew includes 2023 Orange County defensive player of the year Nasir Wyatt who committed to Oregon. The Monarchs have one of the better backfields Orange County football has seen on one team. The backfield includes senior cornerbacks Chuck McDonald, who committed to Alabama, and Daryus Dixon, who is committed to Penn State.
Mater Dei defensive back CJ Lavender, left, sprints in front of Bishop Gorman wide receiver Derek Meadows to pick off a pass in the fourth quarter in Santa Ana on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Mater Dei special teams
Monarchs kicker Dominic Zante is 20 for 22 on point-after kicks and 5 for 5 on field goals. Joseph Gutierrez averages 41 yards a punt.
St. John Bosco offense
Freshman Koa Malau’ulu took over the quarterback position a few weeks ago and has played like a senior. He has completed 66 percent of his passes for 854 yards and 12 touchdowns with one interception. It’s a running-game-by-committee program this season for Bosco, which averages 151 rushing yards a game. Leading receivers Carson Clark and Madden Williams each have multiple college offers.
St John Bosco defense
Braves senior defensive end Epi Sitanelei committed to UCLA. Sophomore linebacker Josiah Poyer has 32 solo tackles and two sacks. Sophomore defensive back Isala Wily-Ava has 43 solo tackles.
St. John Bosco Special Teams
Kicker/punter CJ Wallace committed to Washington. Clark averages 35 yards on kickoff returns.
Analysis
Having a team heavy on seniors, especially at quarterback, is a major advantage. Mater Dei has that advantage.
Mater Dei’s defense will throw all sorts of different formations and points of attack against St. John Bosco’s freshman quarterback. That will help the Monarchs win the all-important turnover competition, which is a game within the game.
The Monarchs emphasize the pass, but this game could be a Jordon Davison game. He will be counted on to pile up the first downs and help keep Mater Dei away from third-and-long situations.
Winner: Mater Dei 28-20
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