The undefeated Mater Dei Monarchs (12-0) from Santa Ana and the unbeaten De La Salle Spartans (12-0) from Concord face off tonight for the prestigious CIF Open Division state championship. The game, held at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, showcases two of California’s top high school football teams vying for ultimate bragging rights.
Mater Dei, ranked No. 1 nationally by High School on SI, boasts a roster stacked with talent, including 29 players holding Division I college offers. De La Salle enters as the underdog, ranked No. 18, but with a storied history and a gritty style of play. The CalPrep.com computer system gives Mater Dei a significant 41-point edge, though experts expect a more competitive matchup.
Kickoff and Early Action
- Mater Dei wins the toss and elects to receive, setting the stage for a fast-paced opening.
- First Drive: Mater Dei senior quarterback Dash Beierly wastes no time, connecting with Marcus Harris for consecutive big gains. Running back Jordon Davison caps off the drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, his 18th of the season. PAT good. Mater Dei 7, De La Salle 0 (8:57, 1st Quarter).
- De La Salle responds with a quick three-and-out, highlighted by an emphatic tackle from Oregon-bound linebacker Nasir Wyatt.
Dominance from Mater Dei
- On Mater Dei's second possession, Davison breaks off a 20-yard run, but the Spartans hold firm on 4th-and-3, stopping Beierly for no gain.
- Beierly strikes again on Mater Dei’s next drive with a 90-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Honore. PAT good. Mater Dei 14, De La Salle 0 (3:39, 1st Quarter).
- De La Salle struggles offensively, going three-and-out on its first three possessions. Meanwhile, Mater Dei continues to dominate, moving the ball effectively and converting key plays.
Second Quarter Highlights
- Mater Dei attempts to extend its lead, but De La Salle's defense steps up, stopping the Monarchs on fourth down.
- De La Salle gains its first two first downs of the game, courtesy of Mater Dei penalties, but the momentum is short-lived as Monarchs linebacker Shaun Scott intercepts a pass to regain possession.
- Mater Dei junior Kayden Dixon-Wyatt makes a spectacular 32-yard catch to bring the Monarchs within striking distance. However, De La Salle’s defense stands tall again, turning over Mater Dei on downs at the 2-yard line late in the first half.
Score Update
At the end of the first quarter, Mater Dei leads 14-0. The second quarter has shown flashes of hope for De La Salle’s defense, but they’ll need a stronger offensive effort to keep pace with the top-ranked Monarchs.
Stay tuned for live updates as the game progresses. Refresh this page for the latest scores and key plays.
