News Summary
The high school football season commenced in Florida with California teams Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, and Orange Lutheran delivering standout performances. St. John Bosco secured a 31-0 victory, while Mater Dei triumphed over St. Thomas Aquinas with a score of 26-23. Orange Lutheran clinched a close 17-13 win against Northwestern. Other California teams like Folsom and Corona Centennial also earned significant victories, highlighting the state’s football prowess. Upcoming matches feature St. John Bosco against El Paso Eastwood and Mater Dei against Bishop Montgomery.
Florida – The 2025 high school football season kicked off with a strong performance from three California teams, as Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, and Orange Lutheran secured victories during their opening games in Florida. The impressive showings confirmed California’s dominance in high school football with the three teams each showcasing their high-caliber talent.
St. John Bosco earned a decisive 31-0 win against Manatee, although the game was halted early due to a lightning storm. Sophomore quarterback Koa Malau’ulu had an outstanding first half, completing 121 yards and throwing for three touchdowns.
Mater Dei, the top-ranked team in the nation, faced off against St. Thomas Aquinas, who held the 13th position nationally. Mater Dei established a strong lead at halftime, scoring 26 points against St. Thomas Aquinas’ 3. In this match, quarterback Ryan Hopkins showcased his skills by throwing three touchdown passes, two of which were caught by Chris Henry Jr. The second half saw a spirited comeback attempt from St. Thomas Aquinas, led by quarterback Mason Mallory, but they ultimately fell short, finishing with a score of 26-23.
Orange Lutheran clinched a nail-biting victory over Northwestern in Miami, finishing with a score of 17-13. This win contributes to the impressive opening weekend for California football teams.
In addition to these notable games, several other California teams also recorded significant victories. Folsom triumphed emphatically over the previously ranked No. 15 team, Grant (Sacramento), defeating them 51-13. Corona Centennial also had a solid performance, beating Servite 42-14. Cathedral secured a comfortable win against Loyola with a score of 36-14, subsequently climbing to No. 14 in the national rankings.
This week, five sections from California—Central Coast, North Coast, San Francisco, Oakland, and Northern—are set to launch their football seasons, further expanding the state’s influence in high school football competitions. California high schools are particularly noteworthy as they feature the defending CIF Bowl champions: Mater Dei (Open Division), Lincoln-San Diego (1-AA), and Edison-Huntington Beach (1-A).
Performance highlights during the weekend included quarterback Ryder Lyons of Folsom, who completed an impressive 31 of 37 passes for a total of 408 yards and four touchdowns in a single game. Additionally, running back Jaxsen Stokes from another team rushed for 80 yards and found the end zone three times, demonstrating the depth of talent in California’s high school football leagues.
Looking ahead, St. John Bosco is set to play against El Paso Eastwood, while Mater Dei will face off against Bishop Montgomery, who has reportedly already forfeited. With numerous well-ranked teams and upcoming matches, the California high school football scene remains highly competitive and draws national attention.
As the season progresses, new rankings will be released each Monday, showcasing the top teams across the nation. California continues to assert its reputation as a powerhouse in youth football, with a strong presence in out-of-state matchups and a variety of talented athletes on display.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Southern California Week 1 High School Football Schedule
- Sports Illustrated: California High School Football Top 25 State Rankings
- High School Football America: Mater Dei Holds On to Beat St. Thomas Aquinas
- KCRA: High School Playbook 2025 Week 1
- Sports Illustrated: CIF Southern Section Rankings
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: California High School Football
- Google Scholar: California High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Google News: California High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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