News Summary
The California high school football landscape is making waves nationally, with Mater Dei High School leading the way in the Massey Ratings top 100. Mater Dei, with an impeccable 13-0 record, triumphed over De La Salle to capture the Open Division state championship and extend their winning streak to 19 games. Other strong contenders include St. John Bosco and Centennial High School, both gearing up for the upcoming season. The rankings highlight California’s dominance in high school football as teams prepare for the new season starting soon.
Los Angeles, CA – California high school football is dominating national rankings by securing the top 11 spots in the Massey Ratings top 100, a comprehensive evaluation of teams based on game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory, originally used during the BCS era. The state’s powerhouse programs are not only performing at an elite level but also setting a precedent for high school football across the nation.
The clear standout from California is Mater Dei High School, boasting a flawless 13-0 season and clinching the California high school football Open Division state championship after defeating De La Salle High School. This victory extended Mater Dei’s winning streak to 19 games, solidifying their status as the defending national champion. The Monarchs are set to kick off the 2025 season against Florida’s St. Thomas Aquinas on August 23.
Key players contributing to Mater Dei’s success include:
- Mark Bowman (5-star tight end, USC)
- Chris Henry Jr. (5-star wide receiver, Ohio State)
- Ryan Hopkins (quarterback, Wisconsin)
- Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (wide receiver, Ohio State)
- Kodi Greene (offensive tackle, Washington)
- Gavin Honore (wide receiver, Georgia)
- Justin Lewis (running back, UMass)
- Furian Infererra (quarterback, Minnesota)
- Aaryn Washington (cornerback)
- Tomuhini Topui (defensive lineman, USC)
- Shaun Scott (edge rusher, USC)
- CJ Lavender (safety)
- Danny Lang (safety)
- Montana Toilolo (defensive lineman)
- Patrick Hall (cornerback)
- Matamatagi Uiagalelei (defensive lineman)
Following closely behind, St. John Bosco concluded its season with an 11-2 record, facing both of its losses against Mater Dei. St. John Bosco is gearing up to open the 2025 season against Florida’s Manatee on August 22. The team boasts several notable players, including:
- Madden Williams (wide receiver, Texas A&M)
- Daniel Odom (wide receiver, Oklahoma)
- Carson Clark (wide receiver, San Jose State)
- Maliq Allen (running back)
- Jailen Hill (cornerback)
- Isala Wily-Ava (safety)
- Dutch Horisk (edge rusher, Oregon)
- Jacob Whitehead (cornerback)
- Dillon Davis (safety)
- Matthew Muasau (linebacker, UCLA)
- Laneselota Olive-Enos (defensive lineman, Portland State)
- Joshua Holland (two-way athlete, USC)
Centennial High School wrapped up its season with a respectable 9-3 record, having also been defeated twice by Mater Dei. They will open their 2025 season against Servite on August 22. Key players from Centennial include:
- Jonathan McKinley (linebacker, California)
- Miles Schirmer (defensive lineman)
- Jaden Walk-Green (safety)
- Keawe Browne (tight end)
- Therman Williams (cornerback, Sacramento State)
- Tyler George (wide receiver)
Other teams achieving significant rankings include Orange Lutheran, which finished the 2024 season with an 8-4 record, improving from 5-6 the previous year, and is set to face Florida’s Northwestern on August 23. Key players from Orange Lutheran include:
- Samuelu Utu (interior offensive lineman, Alabama)
- Lucas Rhoa (offensive lineman)
- Sean Morris (running back, Northwestern)
- Nico Bland (wide receiver)
Mission Viejo recorded its season with a strong start of ten victories but ultimately fell to Centennial in the CIF Division 1 quarterfinals. They will begin their 2025 season against Santa Margarita on August 22. Notable players from Mission Viejo are:
- Vance Spafford (four-star wide receiver, Miami)
- Jeron Jones (four-star cornerback, Washington)
- Luke Fahey (quarterback, Ohio State)
- JD Hill (edge rusher, Northern Arizona)
- Markus Kier (wide receiver, Princeton)
The California high school football season will officially start on August 22, with rankings to be updated every Monday throughout the season. Defending champions for the CIF Bowl include Mater Dei in the Open Division, alongside other champions in lower divisions. The upcoming season promises to showcase the talent and competitive spirit of high school athletes across California.
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CIF Southern Section Unveils Preseason High School Football Rankings
Mater Dei and St. John Bosco Gear Up for New Football Season
Southern California Faces Scorching Heat Wave with High Temperatures
Orange County Unveils Hot 150 High School Football Talent
Showcasing the Next Generation of High School Quarterbacks
Excessive Heat Watch Issued for Orange County
Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: California High School Football Preseason Top 25
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- On3: Preseason California High School Football Top 25 Rankings
- Google Search: California High School Football Rankings
- LA Times: Preseason Top 25 High School Football Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football (Sport)
- East Bay Times: High School Football 2025 Preview
- Google News: High School Football California
- Sporting News: Top Wide Receivers California High School Football 2025
- High School Football America: Trinity League High School Football Schedules
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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.
