Mater Dei is No. 1 in California Top 25 high school final 2023 football rankings by SBLive/Sports Illustrated

The top three finish where they began as the Monarchs are followed by St. John Bosco and Corona Centennial

California high school football fans were hit with a big curve ball on Oct. 13. St. John Bosco not only beat then previous No. 1 Mater Dei at home that fall evening, but the Braves manhandled the Monarchs in a 28-0 steamroll.  

It took another seven weeks for the landscape to realign and finish up where it began, with Mater Dei re-establishing itself as the top team in the Golden State. 

The Monarchs paid back the Braves with an equally one-sided victory, 35-7, in the CIF Southern Section Division I championship on Nov. 24 at the L.A. Coliseum, then cemented themselves as the No. 1 team in the state on Saturday with a 35-0 trouncing of previous No. 3 Serra of San Mateo in the Open Division state championship at Saddleback College. 

Carried by a remarkable defense — considered one of the best in state history — that allowed just 58 total yards along with four touchdown passes from fourth-year starting quarterback Elijah Brown (see video above), Mater Dei flexed its muscle with the running clock win over the Padres (12-1), who had qualified for the Open Division title game for a third straight year. 

Despite its decisive loss in the Southern Section championship, St. John Bosco was the obvious team to finish No. 2 in the SBLive Sports final California rankings, followed by Corona Centential, which lost a 43-42 semifinal thriller at Bosco on Nov. 17. 

The remaining 22 teams did a lot of hopping and jumping over after a wild post season. The biggest advancer was Mission Viejo, which jumped 11 spots to No. 5 after winning the Southern Section Division 2 title, then beat up on surprise San Diego Open Division champion Granite Hills, 49-21, in the regional championships. The Diablos then disposed of Northern California power De La Salle, 27-14, in the state D1-AA title game. 

Mission Viejo finished on a eight game win streak. 

Folsom also made a big leap of 12 spots from No. 19 to No. 7 after 10 straight wins, including a 20-14 win over St. Bonaventure in the CIF D-1A title game behind super sophomore quarterback Ryder Lyons. St. Bonaventure was one of three teams to enter the rankings for the first time, joining No. 19 La Serna (13-3) and No. 25 Grant (12-3). 

Besides Mater Dei, Mission Viejo, Folsom and La Serna (2-AA), no state bowl champions made the Top 25. 

Other state bowl champions: Central Valley Christian (2-A), Acalanes (3-AA), Marin Catholic (3-A), Soquel (4-AA), Palma (4-A), Ramona (5-AA), Woodland Christian (5-A), St. Vincent de Paul (6-AA), Colusa (6-A), Ferndale (7-AA) and Strathmore (7-A). 

Ten of the 15 state bowl champions were Northern California regional winners. 

1. Mater Dei (13-1)

Previous rank (On Nov. 6): 2

Under first-year head coach Frank McManus, who took over for legendary coach Bruce Rollingson, the Monarchs outscored foes 544-124, won a fourth state title (against no losses), all since 2017.  The defense recorded five shutouts led by 5-star recruits, DE Nasir Wyatt (14 sacks) and CB Zabien Brown (3 interceptions), along with S Jeilani Davis (5 interceptions), CB Daryus Dixson (56 tackles, 3 interceptions, 14 pass deflections) and LB Ramere Davis (14 tackles for loss). Besides only loss, 28-0, to St. John Bosco, the defense gave up 96 points (7.3 per game). Offensively, besides Elijah Brown (204 completions, 290 attempts, 2,9540 yards, 39 touchdowns), three-headed RB monster of Jordon Davison, Nathaniel Frazier and Ajon Bryant rushed for 1,753 yards and 24 touchdowns. Brown spread the ball around beautifully as five receivers had at least 27 catches, including a team best 43 for 644 yards and six touchdowns by Marcus Harris. Marcus Brown led the team with 10 touchdown catches on 35 catches for 706 yards.  

Ajon Bryant (3) was one of three Mater Dei running backs to rush for at least for 500 yards to go along with nine touchdowns.  / Photo: Joe Bergman

2. St. John Bosco (11-2)

Previous rank (On Nov. 6): 1

The Braves got a monster season out of first-year starting QB Caleb Sanchez (256 of 362, 71 percent) for 3,341 yards and 35 touchdowns. He spread the ball beautifully to Stacy Dobbins (69 catches, 900 yards, eight TDs), Tommy Maher (50, 637, 5), Madden Williams (42, 496, 5), Daniel Odom (36, 548, 7) and Owen Tomich (24, 428, 6) and got big rushing efforts from Cam Jones and Chauncey Sylvester, who combined for nearly 1,400 yards, 20 TDs and 6.0 yards per carry. The defense, led by preseason All-American linebacker Kyngston Viliamu-Asa (114 tackles) and linemen Max Amasio and Dutch Horisk (combined 25.5 sacks) and Tay Lockett (five interceptions), was stellar in a 28-0 win over Mater Dei on Oct. 13. But it gave up at least 20 points seven times, and 248.   

3. Corona Centennial (9-3)

Previous rank: 3

Like Bosco, the problem wasn't the offense for the Huskies, which piled up 573 points between the two-headed monster of QB Husan Longstreet (199 of 298, 3,013 yards, 24 TDs, 645 rushing yards, 7 TDs) and running back Cornell Hatcher Jr. (268 rushes, 2,257 yards, 42 touchdowns). They gave up 339 points, 127 in their three losses to Mater Dei (28-14), Bishop Gorman (56-28) and Bosco (43-42). Those three teams all are among the Top 10 in the nation, including No. 1 Gorman. 

4. Sierra Canyon (11-1)

Previous rank: 5

The Trailblazers started slow with a 9-7 win over what turned out to be a juggernaut in JSerra Catholic, but then embarked on perhaps their greatest season with 11 straight wins, led by junior quarterback Wyatt Becker (2,660 yards, 30 TDs) and the running duo of Dane Dunn and Terrell Cooks Jr., who combined for 1,355 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. They were no match for Mater Dei in the CIF SS D1 semifinals, losing 42-14. The Trailblazers outscored a rugged schedule, 466-153 and 452-111 vs. opponents not named Mater Dei. 

5. Mission Viejo (13-3)

Previous rank: 16

Following a 20-10 home loss to San Clemente, the Diablos, with a ton of promise and top-end talent, were sitting at 5-3 and needing a reboot. Chad Johnson's squad got it with a dual quarterback combo of Luke Fahey, a sophomore, and junior Draiden Trudeau (combined 3,538 yards, 43 touchdowns), the rushing attack of Hinesward Lilomalva (1,152, 16) and superb receiving duo of sophomores Vance Spafford (83 catches, 1,576 yards, 22 TDs) and Phillip Bell (56, 644, 7). MV won eight straight while capturing the state's second largest division, the D1-AA title. On paper, they look like the third- or fourth-best team in the state heading into next season. 

Mission Viejo 6-foot-6, 290-pound tackle Mark Schroller signaling his team's state Division 1-AA championship.  / Photo: Joe Bergman

6. Serra-San Mateo (12-1)

Previous rank: 3

It's difficult to end the season with a lopsided loss, especially for a program that has put up record-setting marks in the rugged West Catholic Athletic League and Central Coast Section. This Padres' team was top heavy with seniors, led by WCAL Player of the Year Jabari Mann (San Jose State bound), a linebacker and running back. Among the other top graduating players are Oklahoma State-bound QB Maealiuaki Smith, two-way standouts Jaden Green (San Diego) and Danny Niu (San Diego State), safety Joseph Bey (San Jose State), tight end  Cole Harrison and defensive end Collin Tahitua. The Padres outscored foes 519-153. 

7. Folsom (13-2)

Previous rank: 19

Folsom fell behind Serra 21-0 very early in a Week 2 game, but hung tough, never panicked and eventually lost a tight 21-14 game in San Mateo. That toughness was reflected all season, especially after a 14-7 loss at De La Salle on Sept. 22 when it finished off the season with 10 straight wins, including a tough 20-14 D1-A state title game win over St. Bonaventure. The Bulldogs won their last four games by 7, 7, 3 and 6 points thanks largely to the dominating QB play of sophomore Ryder Lyons, who finished with nearly 3,600 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, including the game-winner over SB, a 2-yarder to Jameson Powell, a another sophomore who finished with 86 catches for 1,231 yards and 14 TDs. Lyons also led the team with 926 yards rushing and 23 TDs, giving him 61 he contributed to. As long as Lyons stays put, the Bulldogs should host Serra and De La Salle next season and be the NorCal favorite. 

8. San Clemente (9-2)

Previous rank: 9 

Showed well in both losses, 39-38 at home to Murrieta Valley and 35-10 at St. John Bosco in the SS D1 quarterfinals. Senior running back Aiden Rubin (5-8, 190) was the team's offensive star with 1,790 yards rushing, 20 touchdowns. Defense was a team strength led by senior CB Max Gonzales (five interceptions) and junior LB Puka Lee Fuimaono (94 tackles). 

9. JSerra Catholic (5-6)

Previous rank: 14

Don't be fooled by the record. Playing out of the rugged Trinity League, the Lions lost three league games, a tough 9-7 tilt to Sierra Canyon, Central Section D1 champion Clovis North and a season ender in the playoffs to national No. 3 ranked Mater Dei. JSerra also had impressive wins over Orange Lutheran (24-14), Servite (49-0) and Chaminade (41-7).  

10. Orange Lutheran (5-6)

Prevous rank: 12

The season started with a bang with impressive wins over Serra-Gardena (47-19), De La Salle (35-14) and Eastside Catholic (20-0) before enduring a three-game losing streak to Arizona power Eastside Catholic (35-10), No. 4 Sierra Catholic (40-6) and No. 9 JSerra Catholic (24-14). Once healthy, the Lancers put up some impressive wins over Santa Margarita (28-21) and Servite (36-33), but then lost a trifecta to the top three teams in the state, Mater Dei (55-13), St. John Bosco (44-12) and Centennial (63-39). Junior QB T.J. Lateef accounted for nearly 2,300 yards and 18 TDs in 10 games and junior RB Steve Chavez was a load to bring down with nearly 1,000 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns. 

11. De La Salle (11-3)

Previous rank: 15

The Spartans struggled offensively, for them anyway, most of the season, failing to get a big push off the line like they normally do. But they did put it all together during a 41-0 D1-AA regional home win over Clovis North, which came in at 13-0. After humbling losses to Orange Luthern (35-14) and Serra (28-0) to open the season, the Spartans regrouped in a big way, utilizing old-school veer principals and a rugged defense to win 11 straight before ending with a 27-13 loss to Mission Viejo. The Spartans overcame the death of popular line coach Steve Jacoby at the end of October and were motivated to play for him. The Spartans return most of their skill players, including speedy QB Toa Faavae, RBs Derrick Blanche Jr. and Dominick Kelley and receiver/defense back Jaden Jefferson, a 2026 recruit with sprinter speed. 

De La Salle junior quarterback Toa Faavae rushed for a team-high 17 touchdowns in 2023 / Photo: Joe Bergman

12. Granite Hills (12-1) 

Previous rank: 20

Riding the momentum of a first state title in 2022, the Eagles were one of the great stories and teams of 2023, winning three of the most memorable games of the season, all against state-ranked teams from the San Diego Section: Helix (44-43), Carlsbad (46-45) and Lincoln (27-26), extending their win streak over two seasons to 21 games. Expertly coached by 12th-year Kellan Cobbs, they ultimately fell at Mission Viejo in the CIF 1-AA Southern Regional, 49-21. Depth, balance and numerous contributors once again was a trademark, though freshman quarterback Zachary Benitez (2,281 yards, 23 touchdowns) is definitely a star for the future.  He had two standout running backs in Max Turner and Pablo Jackson, both juniors, who combined for nearly 2,000 yards and 29 touchdowns and two receivers, Brenden Lewis and Josh Zander, who combined for 113 catches and 17 scores. Among all of them, only Zander is a senior, so the Eagles don't figure to slow down.  

13. Lincoln-San Diego (11-1)

Previous rank: 7

The Hornets' loss to Granite Hills cost them a top 5 ranking, a one-point loss at that. Lincoln outscored opponents 524-128 and recorded four shutouts. It won a wild 45-38 double-overtime San Diego Section Open Division first round game behind three TD runs from junior Aden Jackson and 264 yards passing by Akili Smith, who finished his junior season with 2,431 yards passing, 25 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Jackson, Donald Reed III and CJ Williams Jr. combined to rush for more than 1,800 yards and 30 touchdowns.

14. Carlsbad (10-1)

Previous rank: 8

Like Lincoln, a perfect season was spoiled by Granite Hills with a 46-45 defeat in overtime. Julian Sayin, the nation's No. 1 rated quarterback head for Alabama, had 257 yards rushing in that game and three touchdowns, giving him 2,369 for the season 24 touchdowns. For his career, he finished just shy of 8,000 passing yards (7,970) over 38 games for 86 touchdowns. Until the Granite Hills game, the Lancers had given up more than 14 points all season just once. Mason Walsh rushed for 1,166 yards and 14 touchdowns and four different receivers had at least 24 catches for at least 425 yards and three touchdowns, led by Josh Ball (52, 530, 3). 

15. Servite (8-6)

Previous rank: 23

A wildly up-and-down season had a pair of 49-0 losses to both No. 1 Mater Dei and No. 9 JSerra Catholic, but also featured sterling wins over Los alamitos (28-24), Santa Margarita (50-42), Serra-Gardena (28-20) and Long Beach Poly (27-20). Ultimately Mission Viejo ended its season with a 34-15 win in the Southern Section D2 finals. Junior Quaid Carr rushed for 1,201 yards on the season and 17 touchdowns and Aldan O'Callaghan and Devan Parker each had 53 catches from junior QB Leo Hannan (2,429 yards, 14 TDs).   

16. Long Beach Poly (10-2)

Previous rank: 6

The Jackrabbits met a humbling 60-15 loss to eventual national champion Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) with nine straight victories before being eliminated by Servite, 27-20, in the section quarterfinals. Darius Curry had another fantastic season with 219 completions in 350 attempts for 3,197 yards and 41 touchdowns. He had three receivers with at least 40 catches, led by Jordan Malauulu (57 catches, 707 yards, eight TDs) and sophomore Kamarie Smith (50, 832, 11) and junior Ezekiel Orozco (40, 625, 12). 

Colorado State-bound quarterback Darius Curry thew for more than 3,000 yards and 41 touchdowns for Long Beach Poly / Photo by Bobby Medellin

17. Serra-Gardena (9-4)

Previous rank: 11

As always, coach Scott Altenberg scheduled a Murderer's Row lineup that included losses to Orange Lutheran (47-19) and Long Beach Poly (28-14). The Cavaliers also lost to No. 4 Sierra Canyon (35-28) during league play before winning a couple playoff games then losing to Servite 28-20 in the Southern Section Division 2 semifinals. San Jose State-bound Cincere Rhaney was a star all season with 1,883 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in 12 games and Utah-bound wide receiver Zacharyus Williams added 51 catches and 13 TDs. The Cavaliers also featured two college bound conrnerbacks in Dakoda Fields (Oregon) and Nikko Klemm. Junior QB Jimmy Butler (2,088 passing yards, 21 TDs (4 interceptions) should lead the squad next year. 

18. Los Alamitos (9-3)

Previous rank: 17

The Griffins had another stellar season — they've won nine games each of the last three seasons under Ray Fenton — and won exactly nine games seven times since 2013. All three losses in 2023 were to ranked teams — Servite (28-24), Mission Viejo (34-28 in 3 OTs) and a season-ending 38-28 defeat to Serra-Gardena. Among the more impressive wins were to state champion La Serna (25-6), Utah 5A state champion Timpview and Corona del Mar (69-14), a Southern Section D4 finalist.   

19. La Serna (13-3)

Previous rank: NR

What a breakthrough season for the Lancers, which won its first section (D4), regional and state 2-AA championships, beating Orange Vista (49-32) in the regional final and favored and defending state champion Grant Union-Sacramento (21-19) in the state finals. Idaho-bound Owen Long was everywhere with 1,431 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns and 139 tackles. Jayden Northrup added 44 catches, 736 yards and 13 touchdowns. La Serna coach Andy George said after beating Grant: "Not many people gave us a shot against these guys, but you know what? You can't measure La Serna's heart. It's off the charts. That's what we're all about."

20. Pittsburg (13-1)

Previous rank: No. 25

In the program's storied history, one of the most talented teams with most of the top players coming back in 2024. Under first-hear head coach Charlie Ramirez, a longtime defensive coordinator who took over for retired Vic Galli, the Pirates won their third straight North Coast Section Division 1 title with a resounding 37-21 win over a very good San Ramon Valley team. Emerging junior Jamar Searcy did it all with 18 carries for 134 yards and three touchdowns, a fumble recovery and interception, both leading to touchdowns. Junior QB Marley Alcantara replaced Jaden Rashada (now at ASU) by throwing for 2,675 yards and 37 touchdowns. Elijah Bow rushed for 1,296 and 15 TDs, Searcy in just nine games went for 971 and 10, and receivers Nate Quesada (44 catches, 821 yards, 7 TDs), Makari Kenion (38, 583, 11), Jadyn Hudson (32, 334, 5) and Bobby Shaw III (12, 264, 5) are all D1 talents. DE Jewelous Walls (86 tackles, 9 sacks) and Hudson (6 interceptions) are 4-star recruits. 

Pittsburg junior RB Elijah Bow rushed for more than 1,000 yards for the second straight season.  / Photo: Dennis Lee

21. Clovis North (13-1)

Previous rank: 10

A perfect 13-0 season, highlighted by a resounding 23-7 win over JSerra Catholic and 48-14 over state D2-A champion Central Valley Christian (48-14) finished with a 41-0 loss at De La Salle in the Division 1-AA regional final. Other than that loss, the Broncos outscored foes 445-145 thanks to a power running attack and stifling defense. Jackson Cinfel, a 5-10, 190-pound junior, rushed for 1,904 yards and 17 touchdowns, McKay Madsen added 995 and 18. Senior QB Mario Cosma was efficient when called upon to pass with 1,220 yards and nine scores. The defense was led by senior linebacker Brayden Bitter with 94 tackles. Perhaps most impressive during the season was an unbeaten run through the loaded Tri-River Athletic Conference.

22. Oaks Christian (9-3)

Previous rank: 18

Like many on the list, the only losses for the Lions are other ranked teams: No. 4 Sierra Canyon (30-14), No. 17 Serra-Gardena (26-13) and a season-ending defeat to No. 5 Mission Viejo (39-14). With plenty of balance, Oaks Christian utilized three quarterbacks most of the season, led by seniors Nate Bennett (1,822 yards, 19 TDs, 3 interceptions) and Devin Tate (46 of 76, 613, 10, 1). Senior Chase Farrell was the main receiving target with 53 catches for 1,153 yards and 15 TDs, while Justice Williams and Stevie Amar combined for 71 catches for 991 yards and 10 scores. 

23. St. Bonaventure (12-4)

Previous rank: NR

Two early losses to Pacifica (24-13) and Lincoln-San Diego (49-12) indicated a long season, but the Seraphs rebounded to win 11 of 12 to move to the state D1-A championships, only to lose to Folsom 20-14 in a game it led most of the way. St. Bonny reached the state finals with a miraculous 21-20 at St. Augustine on two touchdowns in the final two minutes. Senior QB Anthony Wolter (2,207 yards, 16 touchdowns in 11 games) fought off injury to lead SB to state-title game. Koen Glover (236 carries, 1,362 yards, 18 TDs) was the team's workhorse while explosive DJ Doss (67 catches, 989 yards, 10 TDs) was a game-breaker. Linebacker Jeremiah Barrios (134 tackles) was one of the top sophomores in the state. 

24. Murrieta Valley (9-4)

Previous rank: NR

The Nighthawks opened with a 29-27 loss to Rancho Cucamonga, rattled off six straight wins before a pair of losses, to Chaparral (36-35) and Corona Centennial (62-27). Along the way they knocked off No. 8 San Clemente in another tight affair, 39-38. The Nighthawks then put together an impressive three game-win streak with wins over Vista Murrieta (35-21), Damien (43-40) and then a revenge win over Rancho Cucamonga, 53-52 in double-overtime. But the season crashed to a halt in a tough 31-21 Southern Section D2 semifinal loss to eventual state champion Mission Viejo. Junior QB Bear Bachmeier (6-2, 220) was as good as advertised, passing for 2,613 yards, rushing for 631 more and accounting for 28 TDs. Another junior, Dorian Hoze rushed for 1,490 yards and 21 touchdowns, Asa Chatman added 722 yards rushing and 13 more scores and not one, not two but three receivers hauled in 39 catches — junior Camden Connor and sophomores Julian Treadwell and Derrick Johnson, for a combined 1,206 yards and 10 touchdowns. Two more juniors, Troy Karg and Ethan Adams each recorded more than 100 tackles. 

25. Rancho Cucamonga (10-2)

Previous rank: 13

The Cougars rolled through their first nine games, before a stunning 17-14 loss to Upland in the regular-season finale. After opening the SS Division 2 playoffs with a 35-14 win over Edison, Rancho losta bitter 53-52 double-overtime game to Murrieta Valley despite a remarkable game from senior running back Trey Wilson (29 carries, 336 yards, five touchdowns). Jonah Dawson (6 catches, 132 yards) and Jayden Coley (4, 103), a freshman, each caught TD passes from Emiliano Villarreal. Wilson finished with 1,853 rushing yards and 22 TDs. Dawson had 51 catches for 1,065 yards and 12 scores. 

The next 20 (alphabetical): Acalanes (11-4), Birmingham (12-3), Central Valley Christian (15-1), Chaparral (7-4), Damien (8-3), Grant Union (12-3), Helix (9-2), Los Gatos (12-3), Marin Catholic (14-1), Oak Ridge (10-3), Palos Verdes (10-1), Rocklin (12-2), San Juan Hills (11-2), San Ramon Valley (10-3), Santa Margarita (5-6), St. Augustine (10-5), St. Mary's-Stockton (11-2), Upland (8-3), Valencia (9-2), Warren (11-3).