News Summary
The CIF Southern Section high school football season is set to kick off, showcasing standout programs and elite talents. Notable matchups include Mission Viejo vs. Santa Margarita, Servite vs. Corona Centennial, and Mater Dei vs. St. Thomas Aquinas. With teams like Mater Dei and St. John Bosco vying for supremacy, the season promises intense competition and significant implications for playoff positioning. The rise of players such as Luke Fahey and Dominick Catalano adds to the excitement as schools prepare for a highly anticipated slate of games.
Santa Ana, California – The CIF Southern Section High School football season kicks off in August and runs through October 2025, promising a competitive slate of games featuring elite programs, some of which have nationally-ranked teams and 5-star recruits. Key matchups have been highlighted, with several games set to attract significant attention from fans and scouts alike.
Among the prominent matchups is Mission Viejo at Santa Margarita, where Mission Viejo’s quarterback Luke Fahey, a commitment to Ohio State, will aim to make a strong impression during the coaching debut of Carson Palmer. Another exciting game to watch is JSerra at Sierra Canyon, where Sierra Canyon is anticipated to showcase a standout season following their consistent performances in recent years.
In a particularly crucial clash, Servite will face Corona Centennial, with the outcome likely setting the tone for the season. Corona Centennial’s new quarterback, Dominick Catalano, is a player to watch in this matchup. Another feature game is Mater Dei vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (FL), which is generating buzz as Mater Dei is currently ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation.
The rivalry heats up in the highly anticipated game of Centennial at Santa Margarita, which not only holds a wealth of talent on both teams but also marks Palmer’s home opener. For long-time football enthusiasts, the Sierra Canyon at Oaks Christian game stands out as a showcase of a decade-long rivalry, with the victor claiming regional dominance.
On a national stage, St. Frances Academy (MD) at St. John Bosco features two powerhouse teams vying for supremacy. Mater Dei will also face Bishop Gorman (NV), where last year’s encounter led to Mater Dei being crowned the national champion. Another vital contest that may impact playoff seedings is Santa Margarita at Mater Dei.
The legendary rivalry between St. John Bosco and Mater Dei will likely add another chapter this season, as both teams are familiar with meeting twice in a single season, ramping up the competitive tension each time. Mater Dei won the CIF-SS Division 1 title in 2024 under the helm of first-year coach Raul Lara, while St. John Bosco fought hard in the section final, where Mater Dei emerged victorious with a close score of 31-24.
It’s also worth noting that in 2024, Newbury Park captured the CIF Southern Section Division 2 title, led by quarterback Brady Smigiel and wide receiver Shane Rosenthal, who is committed to UCLA. In a notable incident, Edison’s Julius Gillick was ejected during a semifinal game due to unsportsmanlike conduct, preventing him from participating in the final, which his team won against Simi Valley.
Highlighting the unpredictability of high school sports, St. Pius achieved a CIF title after a challenging 1-9 season, capitalizing on new playoff equity rules to defeat Serrano with a score of 38-19. As the preseason top 25 rankings come to light, teams like Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, and Corona Centennial find themselves among the elite squads.
With the promising roster, Mater Dei looks set for another unbeaten season. The 2025 CIF Southern Section football season is shaping up to be filled with intense matchups and fierce competition, as teams prepare for the playoffs ahead.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Best 2025 California High School Football Games
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- LA Times: Preseason Top 25 High School Football Rankings
- Google Search: 2025 California High School Football Rankings
- High School Football America: Preseason HSFA California Top 25
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Sporting News: Top 20 Running Backs California High School Football
- Google News: California High School Football News
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MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
