News Summary
The CIF Southern Section is set to kick off the 2025 high school football season with anticipation building among players, coaches, and fans alike. As teams prepare, the release of the preseason All-CIF Southern Section team highlights standout players from elite programs such as Mater Dei and Newbury Park. With a mix of triumphs and unexpected turnarounds from the previous season, the upcoming matchups promise excitement for fans as new talents emerge and rivalries intensify.
CIF Southern Section Recaps Stellar 2024 High School Football Season and Previews 2025
Los Angeles, CA – The CIF Southern Section high school football season is gearing up to kick off the 2025 season with Week 0 games scheduled for August 21-22. As anticipation builds among players, coaches, and fans, High School On SI has released a preseason All-CIF Southern Section team focusing on impactful players, aiming to spotlight talent beyond just the most highly recruited prospects.
The CIF Southern Section is recognized for its concentration of elite high school football programs in the nation, with teams like Mater Dei and St. John Bosco standing out for their exceptional performances. Mater Dei made headlines in 2024 by clinching back-to-back CIF Southern Section Division 1 titles, additionally securing a second consecutive national championship. Under the leadership of first-year coach Raul Lara, Mater Dei showcased a formidable defense that played a crucial role in their success.
In the thrilling section final, Mater Dei edged out St. John Bosco with a narrow 31-24 victory before defeating De La Salle 37-15 in the CIF State Open Division title game. These achievements have placed Mater Dei in a position of prominence as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In Division 2, Newbury Park celebrated a significant milestone by claiming the CIF Southern Section crown in 2024, their first championship title since 1993. The team, driven by the talents of five-star quarterback Brady Smigiel and standout wide receiver Shane Rosenthal—who is now at UCLA—faced skepticism regarding their schedule. Nonetheless, they triumphed over formidable opponents including San Jacinto and San Clemente. Their season culminated in a hard-fought victory against Murrieta Valley, winning 31-28 to secure the title.
However, not all stories from the past season were marked by celebration. Edison’s standout running back Julius Gillick was ejected from the CIF Southern Section Division 3 semifinal against Vista Murrieta due to unsportsmanlike conduct, which ruled him out of the final despite an appeal. Edison proceeded to win the championship game against Simi Valley with a score of 35-21 but felt the absence of their star player.
In a surprising turn of events, St. Pius became a breakout story of the postseason. Despite entering the playoffs with a record of just 1-9, the team, coached by Devah Thomas, made an impressive run in the Division 8 playoffs. They secured a playoff berth through competitive equity rules and shocked many by winning the title, defeating Serrano 38-19 to cap off their unexpected journey.
The preseason coverage provided by High School On SI also highlights key players across Southern California by position and ranks the top 25 teams to watch as the new season unfolds. Coaches and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the matchups that highlight both local talents and national recruiting prospects, creating notable rivalries that are sure to bring excitement to the field.
As the CIF Southern Section prepares for the start of the 2025 season, the landscape of high school football in Southern California remains dynamic and competitive. With major teams vying for dominance and new players stepping into the spotlight, fans can expect a thrilling season ahead.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Best 2025 California High School Football Games
- Daily News: Top Quarterbacks to Watch in 2025
- SI: All CIF Southern Section 2025 Preseason Team
- Desert Sun: Desert Hot Springs Eyeing Playoff Berth
- Daily Breeze: Inglewood Football Kicks Off 2025 Season
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Google Search: High School Football News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Google Scholar: High School Football California
- Google News: California High School Football
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