Mater Dei Defeats St. John Bosco To Win California High School Football Sectional Title

It was a highly anticipated California high school football game because the Mater Dei Monarchs and the St. John Bosco Braves are not only two of The Golden State’s top teams. Instead, they are also among the nation’s powerhouse teams. The Monarchs are the top team in the country, while the Braves are fourth in the On3 National High School Football Composite Rankings.

However, in the latest edition of their storied rivalry, Mater Dei survived St. John Bosco’s staunch challenge 31-24. That victory earned the Monarch their second consecutive California Interscholastic Federation Division 1 Southern Section championship and 14^th overall. The win also completes a season sweep for Mater Dei against their most formidable opponent.

Really interesting finish with two lines exchanging lot of love and respect. Final: Mater Dei 31, St. John Bosco 24. Good stuff. No moral victories they say but Bosco has to feel good with this finish heading into next year with so much coming back. pic.twitter.com/k0f4NZ0is4

— Mitch Stephens (@MitchBookLive) November 30, 2024

Oregon commit Jordon Davison paced the Monarchs offense with 29 carries for 196 yards and three touchdowns. His monster numbers testified to Mater Dei’s successful strategy of shortening possession time for the potent St. John Bosco passing attack. Meanwhile, Dash Beierly completed a touchdown pass that left the game out of reach for the Braves.

It was the first time this California high school football season that the Monarchs were in a dogfight. While they had a 24-14 third advantage halfway through the third quarter, the Braves made it a three-point game after Maliq Allen scored on a two-yard touchdown run. An 89-yard screen pass from Koa Malau’ulu to Carson Clark helped St. John Bosco earn their third TD.

However, Beierly’s connection with Marcus Harris gave Mater Dei a 31-21 cushion that their opponents failed to overhaul. In addition to clinching a spot in the CIF Open Division state championship, the victory also improves Mater Dei’s head-to-head record versus St. John Bosco to 32-13 since 1966.

Likewise, the Raul Lara-coached squad widened its total points advantage against the Braves, 1,264-785. The Monarchs will play the De La Salle Spartans on Dec. 14 at Saddleback Stadium in Mission Viejo. Conversely, the Braves will close their 2024 California high school football season at 11-2. Both losses came against Mater Dei, the first being a 59-14 blowout last Oct. 25.