Since 2016, the rivalry between Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) and St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA) has defined high school football at the national level. Both programs consistently rank among the top 10 nationwide, capturing a combined four MaxPreps National Championships: Mater Dei in 2017 and 2021, and St. John Bosco in 2019 and 2022.

On Friday, these powerhouses will meet for the 15th time since 2016 at the Santa Ana Bowl, with Mater Dei leading the series 9-5. Remarkably, these five losses are Mater Dei’s only defeats over the past eight years, as they remain undefeated (94-0) against other opponents.

The talent fueling this rivalry is top-notch, producing multiple NFL players. Mater Dei alums include Amon-Ra St. Brown, Bryce Young, Elias Ricks, Nikko Remigio, and Quentin Lake, while St. John Bosco has Trent McDuffie, Wyatt Davis, George Holani, Jaiden Woodbey, Chris Steele, and Terrell Bynum.

Together, the teams have claimed seven Open Division state titles since 2016, with Mater Dei winning in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2023, and St. John Bosco in 2016, 2019, and 2022. This week’s game marks the 15th No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in the MaxPreps Top 25 since 2000, the sixth such battle between these two teams, with Bosco holding a slight edge at 3-2.

Memorable Matchups Since 2016:

• Oct. 21, 2016: Mater Dei ends St. John Bosco’s 23-game Trinity League win streak, winning 26-21 after overcoming a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit.
• Dec. 3, 2016: St. John Bosco claims the Southern Section Division 1 championship with a 42-28 victory, relying on a powerful rushing game.
• Oct. 13, 2017: Mater Dei narrowly wins 31-21, maintaining its No. 1 national ranking, with stellar performances from J.T. Daniels and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
• Dec. 2, 2017: Mater Dei wins the Southern Section title, 49-24, and later takes the state championship, ending St. John Bosco’s season with a commanding victory.
• Oct. 13, 2018: St. John Bosco wins 41-18 in their first 1 vs. 2 matchup, led by D.J. Uiagalelei’s five-touchdown performance.
• Nov. 23, 2018: Mater Dei wins a defensive showdown in the Southern Section title game, 17-13, utilizing a game plan that holds Bosco’s offense in check.
• Oct. 25, 2019: Mater Dei wins another 1 vs. 2 matchup, 38-24, with Bryce Young’s five touchdowns solidifying his stellar season.
• Nov. 30, 2019: St. John Bosco stages an epic comeback, winning 39-34 after Mater Dei takes an early 28-5 lead. D.J. Uiagalelei’s 446 passing yards lead Bosco to the Southern Section title.
• April 17, 2021: Mater Dei wins 34-17 in a non-ranked COVID season matchup with freshman Elijah Brown’s four-touchdown debut.
• Oct. 1, 2021: Mater Dei prevails 42-21 in a decisive No. 1 vs. No. 3 matchup, with Brown throwing five touchdowns to secure the national top spot.
• Oct. 7, 2022: Mater Dei wins a defensive battle 17-7 in another 1 vs. 2 clash, as St. John Bosco loses quarterback Pierce Clarkson to injury.
• Nov. 25, 2022: St. John Bosco wins the Southern Section title 24-22, snapping Mater Dei’s 29-game winning streak and sending coach Bruce Rollinson into retirement.
• Oct. 13, 2023: St. John Bosco shuts out Mater Dei 28-0 in a surprising win, holding the Monarchs to under 200 total yards.
• Nov. 24, 2023: Mater Dei rebounds to claim the Southern Section title, 35-7, limiting Bosco to only 14 rushing yards.

This rivalry continues to showcase the best of high school football, combining elite talent, national titles, and unforgettable games, solidifying Mater Dei and St. John Bosco as two of the most dominant programs in the country.