The Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) varsity football team will face De La Salle (Concord, CA) in a home playoff game today at 8 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games in the Open Division, showcasing top-tier high school football talent.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship Bowl Games
Who: Mater Dei (CA) vs De La Salle (CA)
When: Today, December 14, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Open Division
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: De La Salle vs. Mater Dei

As two of the most dominant high school football teams in the country, De La Salle and Mater Dei have built reputations for excellence, both boasting perfect records in the current season. Both teams sit at an impressive 12-0 overall, making this matchup one of the most anticipated games of the season. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of their respective performances across key statistical categories.

Offensive Comparison

• Rushing Yards Per Game
  De La Salle leads in the running game, averaging 284.6 rushing yards per game. This is highlighted by their standout rusher, Derrick Blanche, who runs for an average of 82.2 yards per game. Mater Dei, while not as prolific on the ground, still manages 164.3 rushing yards per game, with Jordon Davison leading the way, averaging 102.4 yards per game. De La Salle’s ground attack is far more dominant.
• Passing Yards Per Game
  In the passing department, Mater Dei has a more balanced offense, averaging 163.3 passing yards per game. Their quarterback, Dash Beierly, contributes 151.7 yards per game, showing that Mater Dei is capable of moving the ball efficiently through the air. In comparison, De La Salle averages 88.2 passing yards per game, with Toa Faavae accounting for 58.2 yards per game. Mater Dei’s aerial game has a clear advantage.
• Receiving Yards Per Game
  The receiving game for both teams is tightly contested, with De La Salle averaging 86.0 receiving yards per game, led by Landon Cook, who racks up 36.3 yards per game. Mater Dei’s receiving corps shines a bit brighter, averaging 163.3 receiving yards per game, with Kayden Dixon-Wyatt contributing 52.0 yards per game. Mater Dei’s ability to produce significant yardage through the air complements their strong passing game.
• Total Yards Per Game
  De La Salle averages 372.8 total yards per game, thanks to their potent rushing attack and moderate passing success. In contrast, Mater Dei averages 327.5 total yards per game, which is more balanced between the run and the pass. Despite the difference in total yardage, both teams are highly efficient offensively.

Defensive Comparison

• Tackles Per Game
  De La Salle leads in defensive involvement, averaging 58.8 tackles per game, compared to Mater Dei’s 49.5 tackles per game. Niko Baumgartner of De La Salle leads the team with 7.7 tackles per game, while Lucas Campizta of Mater Dei averages 4.7 tackles per game. De La Salle’s defense is more active and engaged in stopping opponents.
• Sacks Per Game
  Mater Dei has a slight edge in terms of pass rush, averaging 3.8 sacks per game. This outpaces De La Salle’s 2.1 sacks per game, showcasing Mater Dei’s ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Key players like Nasir Wyatt with 0.9 sacks per game lead the charge for Mater Dei.

Scoring Comparison

• Points Per Game
  Both teams are high-scoring, with De La Salle averaging 37.9 points per game and Mater Dei not far behind with 36.8 points per game. Both offenses are potent, but De La Salle’s slightly higher point total reflects their ability to dominate in the rushing game and control the clock.

Team Leaders

De La Salle’s Derrick Blanche leads the team in rushing, while Toa Faavae is the driving force behind the passing game. On the defensive side, Niko Baumgartner leads in tackles, while Matthew Johnson contributes in sacks. Mater Dei’s star player is Jordon Davison, who has been a standout in both rushing and scoring, while Dash Beierly leads the team in passing. Lucas Campizta is another key defensive player for Mater Dei, contributing with tackles.

Record Breakdown

Both teams are undefeated at 12-0, with impressive league and non-league records:

• De La Salle:
  • 3-0 in league play
  • 7-0 in non-league games
  • 6-0 at home
  • 5-0 away
  • 2-0 in playoff games
• Mater Dei:
  • 5-0 in league play
  • 7-0 in non-league games
  • 6-0 at home
  • 5-0 away
  • 3-0 in playoff games

Both teams have been dominant on both sides of the ball, with perfect records both in-state and in out-of-state matchups.

Conclusion

The game between De La Salle and Mater Dei is a clash of two football powerhouses, each with a distinct style of play. De La Salle’s dominance in the rushing game and stout defense gives them an edge in controlling the tempo, while Mater Dei’s potent passing game and pass rush ability make them a formidable opponent. With both teams possessing high-scoring offenses and strong defensive units, this matchup promises to be an intense battle for supremacy.