The St. John Bosco varsity football team from Bellflower, CA, will face off against Mater Dei from Santa Ana, CA, in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. The matchup will take place at Veterans Memorial Stadium and is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Division 1 Football Championships.
St. John Bosco vs Mater Dei Game Info:
What: California High School Football Playoffs
Who: St. John Bosco vs Mater Dei
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 1
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: St. John Bosco vs Mater Dei
As two of the most dominant high school football teams in California, Mater Dei and St. John Bosco are set to face off in another thrilling chapter of their storied rivalry. With impressive records and potent offenses, both teams have dominated their respective leagues this season, making this matchup one of the most anticipated games in the state.
Mater Dei: Perfect Through the Regular Season
Mater Dei enters the game with a flawless 11-0 record, having dominated in both league and non-league play. The Santa Ana powerhouse leads the nation in high school football rankings and remains the top team in California. Under the guidance of head coach, they have outscored opponents 411 to 150, boasting an impressive 37.4 points per game. Their ability to strike early and often has been a key factor, with their average first-quarter scoring of 10.3 points setting the tone in many of their games.
Offensively, Mater Dei excels in all areas. The team averages 156.4 rushing yards per game and 167.3 passing yards per game, making them a balanced threat on both ends of the field. Quarterback Dash Beierly has been a standout, contributing 154.6 passing yards per game. Meanwhile, Jordon Davison leads the rushing attack with an average of 93.0 yards per game.
Defensively, Mater Dei’s tenacity has allowed them to shut down opponents early. With an average of 50.1 tackles per game and 3.9 sacks per game, their defense is both aggressive and disciplined, ensuring opponents rarely find their rhythm.
St. John Bosco: The Resilient Contender
St. John Bosco comes into the game with a strong 11-1 record, having been a formidable force throughout the season. Their sole loss came in a tough head-to-head matchup against Mater Dei earlier this season, a game in which they were defeated 59-14. Despite this setback, St. John Bosco has bounced back strongly, finishing their regular season with an impressive 4-1 league record and 7-0 record at home.
Offensively, St. John Bosco is explosive, averaging 165.3 rushing yards and 224.8 passing yards per game. Quarterback Koa Malau’ulu has been a key playmaker, amassing 135.5 passing yards per game, while running back Maliq Allen contributes 82.4 rushing yards per game. The Braves have a potent combination of ground and air attacks, averaging 33.3 points per game.
On the defensive side, St. John Bosco is no slouch. With 70.9 tackles per game and 1.9 sacks per game, they are known for their ability to pressure opposing offenses and force mistakes. Players like Isala Wily-Ava and Dutch Horisk are crucial in limiting the opposition’s big plays, especially in high-stakes situations.
Head-to-Head Showdown: Mater Dei Dominates
The most recent meeting between these two teams took place on October 25, 2024, where Mater Dei made a powerful statement with a dominant 59-14 victory. The Monarchs’ offense was unstoppable, racking up 59 points, including 34 in the second quarter alone, while their defense stifled St. John Bosco’s attack. The game saw Mater Dei’s defense force a shutout through the first three quarters, making it clear they were the superior team that night.
Despite the lopsided result, St. John Bosco is not a team to be taken lightly. The Braves will surely be looking for redemption in their upcoming playoff meeting, determined to avenge their earlier defeat and show that they can hang with the top-tier teams in the country.
Team Comparison: Mater Dei’s Balanced Attack vs. St. John Bosco’s High-Powered Offense
Both teams have excelled on offense and defense, but they approach the game from different angles. Mater Dei’s success has been built on a well-rounded offensive game plan and a rock-solid defense. With a steady rushing attack, led by Jordon Davison, and a strong passing game with Dash Beierly at the helm, they have the tools to control both sides of the ball. Their ability to score consistently in the first half puts pressure on opposing teams, forcing them into unfavorable situations.
On the other hand, St. John Bosco’s offense thrives on its explosive passing game, with Koa Malau’ulu and wide receiver Madden Williams providing big plays down the field. While their defense may not be as stout as Mater Dei’s, they have the ability to create turnovers and capitalize on mistakes, especially in high-pressure situations.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications
This matchup, though a repeat of their earlier meeting, holds even greater significance with playoff positioning on the line. Mater Dei enters the game as the top-ranked team in the nation and a heavy favorite to continue their dominance. However, St. John Bosco has proven they are capable of bouncing back after a loss, making this a potential upset in the making.
Both teams boast impressive stats, with Mater Dei scoring an average of 37.4 points per game and St. John Bosco posting 34.3 points per game. However, the key to victory may lie in which defense can make crucial stops and limit big plays. With everything to play for, fans can expect a high-intensity matchup when these two California football giants meet in the playoffs.
Conclusion
The Mater Dei vs. St. John Bosco rivalry continues to captivate high school football fans across the country. With both teams showing unmatched talent and determination, this game promises to be one for the ages. Whether Mater Dei will maintain its perfect record or St. John Bosco can pull off a stunning upset, the upcoming playoff game will undoubtedly be a must-watch for football enthusiasts everywhere.
