The stage is set for the grand finale of California's high school football season as Mater Dei and De La Salle, two of the nation’s most storied programs, clash for the CIF Open Division State Championship. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. PT on Saturday, promising a high-stakes showdown to cap off another thrilling season.
Live Updates: Mater Dei vs. De La Salle
2nd Quarter
- 3:38: De La Salle forces a turnover on downs in the red zone. Mater Dei’s Jordon Davison leaves the game with an apparent arm or wrist injury.
- 9:06: Shaun Scott intercepts a De La Salle pass, deflected by Nasir Wyatt.
1st Quarter
- 0:40: Kennie Leggett picks up roughly 20 yards for a critical first down on Mater Dei’s 4th-and-2.
- 3:39: Mater Dei 14, De La Salle 0: A single-play, 90-yard touchdown connects Beierly to Honore.
- 5:56: Mater Dei turns the ball over on downs on 4th-and-3.
- 7:18: De La Salle goes three-and-out, but Justin Uribarri’s 71-yard punt flips the field.
- 8:57: Mater Dei 7, De La Salle 0: Dash Beierly orchestrates an 80-yard drive capped by a rushing touchdown from Jordon Davison.
Mater Dei wins the coin toss and elects to receive.
Game Preview
Mater Dei enters the championship as the reigning national champions and a heavy favorite. The Monarchs have dominated in recent state finals, including a 44-7 win over Serra (San Mateo) in 2021 and a 35-0 victory in 2023. The last time they met De La Salle for the title was in 2018, with Mater Dei winning 35-21.
Southern California has won seven consecutive Open Division titles, a streak driven by dominance in the trenches and explosive playmakers. Mater Dei exemplifies this trend, boasting a roster packed with over 30 Division I prospects, including numerous national recruits.
De La Salle, however, brings its strongest and fastest team in years, with an elite running back corps led by Derrick Blanche Jr., Dominic Kelley, Jaden Jefferson, and Deuce Jones-Drew. Dual-threat quarterback Toa Faavae adds versatility to their offense.
Despite the Spartans’ improvements, it’s hard to argue against Mater Dei’s powerhouse status. The Monarchs have been nearly untouchable this season, with their only close game coming against St. John Bosco in a fierce rivalry matchup two weeks ago.
De La Salle's hopes hinge on establishing their running game and finding consistency in their aerial attack to challenge Mater Dei’s formidable secondary. Scoring more than 10 points—what they managed last week against Pittsburg—will be crucial to their chances.
Stay tuned for live updates, scores, and highlights from this much-anticipated championship clash. Refresh this page regularly to follow the action as it unfolds.
