News Summary
St. John Bosco achieved a significant victory over St. Frances Academy, securing the top ranking in California high school football with a thrilling 21-14 win. Led by quarterback Koa Malau’ulu, who threw two critical touchdowns in the final minutes, the Braves demonstrated their resilience by coming back from a 14-7 deficit. This victory not only solidifies their top position but also sets the stage for their upcoming rematch against Mater Dei, which is crucial for maintaining their rank.
Bellflower, California
St. John Bosco has secured the top position in California high school football after a thrilling 21-14 comeback victory over St. Frances Academy, ranked No. 4 nationally, from Baltimore. The Braves were trailing 14-7 entering the fourth quarter but demonstrated resilience and skill to clinch the win. Quarterback Koa Malau’ulu played a pivotal role, throwing for two touchdowns in the final minutes of the game.
Malau’ulu first connected with Madden Williams, a Texas A&M commit, for an impressive 51-yard touchdown that tied the game late in the fourth quarter. With just under five minutes left, Malau’ulu secured the lead by completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to Carson Clark, ultimately ensuring the victory for St. John Bosco. This win is particularly significant as it propels the Braves to the top of the state rankings.
Mater Dei Falls to No. 2
Previously ranked No. 1, Mater Dei has dropped to the No. 2 position in the latest rankings after narrowly defeating Kahuku from Hawaii with a score of 21-18. Kahuku had previously suffered defeats against Hawaii rivals, losing to St. Louis 20-0 and Bishop Gorman 38-0. Mater Dei, who missed a season of play last year due to a forfeit by Bishop Montgomery over recruiting violations, will have a chance to reclaim its position in a highly anticipated rematch against St. John Bosco scheduled for October 31. This game will determine the top seed in the Southern Section’s top division.
Mission Viejo’s Dominant Win
In other games, Mission Viejo achieved a commanding victory over then-No. 5 Folsom, winning 53-14 and dropping Folsom to No. 13 in the rankings. The Mission Viejo team has shown considerable improvement this season, contributing to their elevated position in the rankings.
Other Notable Results
Several other teams delivered compelling performances, with notable results including:
- Sierra Canyon winning 45-0 against Punahou from Honolulu, resulting in an impressive combined score of 143-0 over three games for the team.
- De La Salle defeating Serra 26-0, marking their second consecutive game without allowing any offensive touchdowns.
- Santa Margarita achieving a strong win over Highland with a score of 45-13, showing their capabilities in this season.
- Lincoln narrowly beat Arbor View from Las Vegas with a score of 50-31, demonstrating improvements in their offensive execution.
Upcoming Rankings
New rankings for high school football teams will continue to be released every Monday or Tuesday throughout the season, reflecting the dynamic landscape of California high school football. The ongoing season is shaping up to be competitive, with several teams vying for the top spots in the rankings.
Performance Highlights
In the recent match against Serra from San Mateo, quarterback Koa Malau’ulu completed 12 of 15 passes for a total of 205 yards, showcasing his efficiency and impact on the field. Additionally, junior defensive back Jailen Hill contributed significantly to the team’s defense, securing two interceptions that aided St. John Bosco’s efforts in the match.
As the season progresses, fans and teams alike eagerly await the upcoming challenges and potential shifts in rankings, particularly with the highly anticipated clash between St. John Bosco and Mater Dei on the horizon.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mission Viejo Tops Orange County Football Poll
Mission Viejo High School Overcomes Lincoln High in Football Clash
Mission Viejo Triumphs Over Lincoln in High School Football
Mission Viejo Diablos Secure Victory Against Lincoln Hornets
Bishop Montgomery’s Football Program Faces Major Shakeup
Mission Viejo and Lincoln High School Set to Clash in Football Showdown
JD Hill Shines as a Top Prospect in Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo Football Team Stages Dramatic Fourth Quarter Comeback
Mission Viejo Diablos Defeat Lincoln Hornets in High School Football Showdown
Mission Viejo Diablos Rally to Victory Over Lincoln Hornets
Additional Resources
- Press Telegram – Football Top 10 Rankings
- Wikipedia: St. John Bosco High School
- Sporting News – California High School Football Top 25
- Google Search: California high school football
- High School Football America – St. John Bosco Moves to No. 1
- Google Scholar: High School Football California
- SI – St. John Bosco vs. St. Frances Academy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- MaxPreps – St. John Bosco Takes Down St. Frances Academy
- Google News: High School Football News
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO 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.
