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: St. John Bosco (CA) vs Mater Dei (CA)
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 BoscoPlayoffs

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

1. 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.
2. Scoring Trends: While Mater Dei thrives in building early leads, Bosco’s fourth-quarter explosiveness could challenge their ability to close out games.
3. 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.

High school football fans are in for a treat as two powerhouses, Mater Dei Monarchs and St. John Bosco Braves, prepare to face off in a battle that could define the 2024-25 season. With a rich history of thrilling games, both teams bring stellar records and elite talent to the gridiron.

Team Comparison

The Monarchs and the Braves are evenly matched on paper, with slight differences that could tip the scales in either direction:

• Mater Dei relies on a balanced offensive approach, averaging 156.4 rushing yards and 167.3 passing yards per game, for a total of 323.6 yards per game. Defensively, their pass rush stands out with 3.9 sacks per game, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
• St. John Bosco boasts a stronger offensive output, averaging 390.1 total yards per game, with a focus on their passing game (224.8 yards per game) complemented by 165.3 rushing yards per game. Defensively, their strength lies in their physicality, leading with 70.9 tackles per game.

Both teams are prolific scorers, with Mater Dei averaging 37.4 points per game, slightly ahead of St. John Bosco’s 33.3 points per game.

Key Players

• Mater Dei:
  Running back Jordon Davison (#0) is a force on the ground, averaging 93.0 rushing yards per game and 8.6 points per game. Quarterback Dash Beierly (#9) leads the passing game with 154.6 yards per game, while Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (#4) adds 51.0 receiving yards per game. On defense, Lucas Campizta (#44) anchors the unit with *4.7 tackles per game, supported by Nasir Wyatt (#31), who contributes 0.9 sacks per game.
• St. John Bosco:
  Quarterback Koa Malau’ulu (#12) drives the Braves’ 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 all receivers with 68.1 yards per game and 6.0 points per game. On defense, Isala Wily-Ava (#23) shines with 6.0 tackles per game, and Dutch Horisk (#41) adds 0.3 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have dominated their shared opponents:

• Mater Dei went 5-0 against common teams, including a 40-18 win over Santa Margarita and a convincing 41-17 victory over JSerra Catholic.
• St. John Bosco achieved a perfect 7-0 record, highlighted by a tight 31-29 win over Santa Margarita in the playoffs and a commanding 44-24 victory against JSerra Catholic.

Record Breakdown

Mater Dei enters the game undefeated at 11-0, including a perfect 5-0 league record and dominance both at home (6-0) and away (5-0). They’ve excelled in playoff matchups, going 2-0 so far.

St. John Bosco is 11-1, with their sole loss coming in an earlier matchup against Mater Dei. The Braves are strong in league play (4-1) and have thrived at home (7-0) and on the road (3-1), showing resilience throughout the season.

What to Watch For

1. Quarterback Duel: Mater Dei’s Dash Beierly and St. John Bosco’s Koa Malau’ulu are poised to lead their teams. Beierly’s ability to maintain composure under pressure could give the Monarchs the edge, while Malau’ulu’s versatility may spark big plays for the Braves.
2. Defensive Edge: Mater Dei’s superior pass rush (3.9 sacks per game) will look to disrupt Malau’ulu’s rhythm. Conversely, Bosco’s tackling prowess (70.9 per game) could stymie Mater Dei’s ground attack.
3. Clutch Factor: With both teams evenly matched, the game may come down to who executes better in the final minutes. Bosco’s experience in close contests, like their narrow 31-29 win over Santa Margarita, could be invaluable.

Prediction

This rivalry showdown promises high drama and elite-level play. While St. John Bosco’s offensive firepower and defensive grit give them a fighting chance, Mater Dei’s balanced attack and undefeated record make them slight favorites. Expect a thrilling game with Mater Dei edging out St. John Bosco in a nail-biter.