Mission Viejo, CA – In a thrilling showdown on Saturday night, Southern California’s Mater Dei High School made history by securing their fifth national championship since 2017. They achieved this impressive feat with a commanding victory over the No. 25 ranked De La Salle, winning the California Open Division championship game 37-15 at Saddleback College.
The Monarchs dominated throughout the match, finishing the season with an undefeated record of 13-0. Their strength was reflected in their consistency, as every opponent they faced this year will also finish ranked in the High School Football America 300 rankings. Mater Dei kicked off the scoring early, with Jordon Davison, who is headed to Oregon, rushing for a touchdown to put Mater Dei up 7-0.
Not long after, Dash Beierly, a Washington recruit, connected with sophomore Gavin Honore for a spectacular 90-yard touchdown pass, widening the advantage. De La Salle showed resilience in the third quarter, with quarterback Toa Faavae scoring twice, cutting Mater Dei’s lead to 23-15.
However, the Monarchs showcased their depth with a remarkable 16-play, 92-yard drive, capped off by another touchdown run from Davison, securing the championship and demonstrating their unwavering determination.
The Trinity League continues to uphold its legacy, now claiming the last eight Open Division titles and seven of the last eight national championships. The Monarchs remain a powerhouse, only interrupted by the pandemic year of 2020 when game schedules were drastically limited.
The excitement does not stop here, as the final rankings for the 2024 season are set to be released shortly.
