The St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA) varsity football team faces Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) in a highly anticipated neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the prestigious 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 1), showcasing two powerhouse programs vying for postseason glory.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Mater Dei vs St. John Bosco
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 1
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Mater Dei vs. St. John Bosco
The CIF Southern Section Division 1 Football Championships brings a marquee matchup between the nation’s No. 1 team, Mater Dei, and the No. 7-ranked St. John Bosco. These two perennial powerhouses have dominated California high school football, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff showdown.
Rankings & Records
- Mater Dei:
- National Rank: 1
- State Rank: 1
- Overall Record: 11-0
- League Record: 5-0
- Home/Away Record: Perfect 6-0 at home, 5-0 on the road
- Points For (PF): 411
- Points Against (PA): 150
- Win Percentage: 1.000
Mater Dei’s flawless record reflects their dominance both in and out of league play. They’ve been unrelenting on both sides of the ball, outscoring opponents by an impressive 261-point margin this season.
- St. John Bosco:
- National Rank: 7
- State Rank: 2
- Overall Record: 11-1
- League Record: 4-1
- Home Record: 7-0
- Away Record: 3-1
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Points For (PF): 411
- Points Against (PA): 269
- Win Percentage: .917
St. John Bosco has delivered an outstanding season, overcoming tough competition with consistent offensive firepower. Despite one loss in league play, their balanced approach keeps them among the nation’s elite.
Scoring Averages and Trends
- Mater Dei averages 37.4 points per game, with a balanced attack across all quarters. Their dominance in the first three quarters, especially with double-digit scoring in each, allows them to control games early.
- St. John Bosco averages 34.3 points per game, peaking in the fourth quarter (11.0 points). Their ability to finish strong has been critical in securing wins in close contests.
Key Matchup Factors
- Defensive Strength: Mater Dei’s defense has been exceptional, allowing only 150 points all season compared to St. John Bosco’s 269. This disparity could play a significant role in the game.
- Scoring Trends: While Mater Dei thrives in building early leads, Bosco’s fourth-quarter explosiveness could challenge their ability to close out games.
- Previous Performances: Mater Dei’s undefeated record gives them a psychological edge, but Bosco’s hunger for redemption after a prior loss might fuel a fierce contest.
What to Expect
This game is more than a playoff—it’s a battle of pride and supremacy in California high school football. Mater Dei’s balanced dominance will be tested by St. John Bosco’s resilience and late-game prowess. Fans can expect a high-stakes clash filled with strategic plays, star performances, and electric energy under the lights.
The winner moves one step closer to the championship, but both teams have already proven they are among the best in the nation.
The storied rivalry between Mater Dei Monarchs and St. John Bosco Braves returns for another chapter, pitting two of the nation’s premier programs against each other. With nearly identical records and a history of intense matchups, this game could be the defining moment of the season.
Team Comparison
Both teams boast formidable offenses and stifling defenses, but subtle differences could decide the outcome.
- Mater Dei averages 323.6 total yards per game, relying on a balanced attack with 156.4 rushing yards and 167.3 passing yards per game. Their defense is highlighted by their ability to pressure quarterbacks, recording an impressive 3.9 sacks per game.
- St. John Bosco has a slight edge offensively, posting 390.1 total yards per game. They excel in the passing game, averaging 224.8 yards through the air while complementing it with 165.3 rushing yards per game. Defensively, they lead with 70.9 tackles per game, showing their ability to dominate in the trenches.
Key Players
- Mater Dei:
Running back Jordon Davison (#0) anchors the offense, averaging 93.0 rushing yards per game and 8.6 points per game. Quarterback Dash Beierly (#9) contributes 154.6 passing yards per game, while Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (#4) adds 51.0 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Lucas Campizta (#44) leads with *4.7 tackles per game, and Nasir Wyatt (#31) provides consistent pressure with 0.9 sacks per game. - St. John Bosco:
Quarterback Koa Malau’ulu (#12) drives the offense with 135.5 passing yards per game and 155.4 total yards per game. Running back Maliq Allen (#25) contributes 82.4 rushing yards per game, while Madden Williams (#7) leads the receiving corps with 68.1 yards per game and 6.0 points per game. On defense, Isala Wily-Ava (#23) is a tackling machine with 6.0 tackles per game, supported by Dutch Horisk (#41), who adds 0.3 sacks per game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have dominated shared opponents, with Mater Dei going 5-0 and St. John Bosco finishing 7-0 against these teams. Notably, St. John Bosco has faced Santa Margarita twice, winning both times, including a tight 31-29 victory. Mater Dei’s most decisive victory came in a 41-17 win over JSerra Catholic.
Record Breakdown
Mater Dei enters the game undefeated at 11-0, including a perfect 5-0 league record. They’ve been dominant both at home (6-0) and on the road (5-0), with two playoff wins.
St. John Bosco is 11-1, with their sole loss coming in a previous meeting with Mater Dei. They’ve also excelled in league play (4-1) and have won all seven home games.
Key Factors
- Quarterback Play: Both Dash Beierly (Mater Dei) and Koa Malau’ulu (St. John Bosco) are pivotal to their team’s success. The quarterback who handles the pressure better may tilt the game in their team’s favor.
- Defensive Pressure: Mater Dei’s ability to generate sacks (3.9 per game) could disrupt St. John Bosco’s passing attack. However, Bosco’s strong tackling unit (70.9 tackles per game) may neutralize Mater Dei’s ground game.
- Turnovers and Mistakes: With both teams so evenly matched, limiting turnovers and costly penalties will be crucial.
Prediction
This matchup promises to be a nail-biter. Mater Dei’s earlier victory over St. John Bosco gives them confidence, but the Braves will be eager to avenge that loss. Expect a closely fought battle with the outcome likely decided in the final moments. Both teams have the tools to win, but Mater Dei’s consistency may give them the slightest edge.
