News Summary

The CIF Southern Section is ready to launch the 2025 high school football season with the release of its Top 25 preseason rankings. Mater Dei leads the pack, aiming for a third consecutive national championship. St. John Bosco and Mission Viejo are also strong contenders. Various teams are looking to showcase their talent, including Sierra Canyon’s impressive defensive lineup and Santa Margarita’s promising new quarterback. The season is set to bring exciting matchups, surprises, and stories of triumph, as fans rally behind their favorite teams.

Exciting Times Ahead for High School Football in Southern California!

Hey football fans! Buckle up because the CIF Southern Section is gearing up for another thrilling season of high school football, and the buzz this year is off the charts. Known for boasting some of the best programs, players, and coaches in the entire nation, the CIF Southern Section is ready to unveil the Top 25 preseason rankings every Sunday, leading us into the highly awaited 2025 season.

Top Contenders to Watch

This year’s excitement kicks off with Mater Dei taking the top spot in the preseason rankings. These guys are no strangers to glory, having snagged the national championship title for two consecutive years! This season, they’re shaking things up with their third different quarterback, Ryan Hopkins, who comes to the squad from JSerra. Along with him, players like Chris Henry Jr., Shaun Scott, Mark Bowman, and Tomu Topui are expected to shine as they aim for an unprecedented third straight title.

Following closely behind is St. John Bosco, the only team to hand Mater Dei a loss in the past eight seasons! They’ve got a promising group of young talents, including sophomore QB Koa Malau’ulu. Other standout players like Madden Williams, Daniel Odom, Josh Holland, and Dutch Horisk are ready to make their mark on the field.

Mission Viejo takes third place, and they feature a formidable prospect in Ohio State commit Luke Fahey. They also have wide receiver Vance Spafford, alongside talented players like Jeron Jones, JD Hill, and Davonte Curtis helping them compete fiercely this season.

The Competition is Fierce!

For those keeping an eye on the defensive game, Sierra Canyon is known for having one of the best secondaries in the state. With stars like Jaxsen Stokes, Mikhal Johnson, and Ja’Myron Baker, they’ll surely make it tough for opposing offenses to find their groove.

Santa Margarita fans can look forward to seeing Carson Palmer back in action and a promising new quarterback, Trace Johnson, as he develops a strong connection with standout receiver Trent Mosley. And with a team roster filled with talent including Simote Katoanga, Dash Fifita, and Jayden Crowder, they are looking primed for a strong season.

Corona Centennial is navigating through a transition this season, replacing their star quarterback, Husan Longstreet, with Dominick Catalano. Yet, they still have abundant talent in players like Keawe Browne, JD McKinley, and Boogie Williams to keep their spirits high.

Meanwhile, Orange Lutheran aims to bounce back after losing some key players to graduation, relying on veterans like Sam Utu, Markus Kier, and Christian Panapa to guide the younger squad forward.

What to Expect This Season

With coach Chris Reinert entering his third season with Servite, expectations are high for quarterback Kale Murphy and a talented roster including Luke Sorensen, Gavin Wilkins, and Isaiah Leilua. Over at JSerra, a fresh wave of talent is arriving under new quarterback Koa Smith-Mayall, alongside key players like Jarod Sersansie, Josh Haney, and Rocco Tompkins.

Newbury Park had a sensational run in the previous season, clinching the CIF Southern Section Division 2 title led by their 5-star quarterback, Brady Smigiel. With other players like Ty Stromsoe, Tyler Seefeldt, and Connor Schlimgen back in action, they’re set to keep the momentum going.

Controversies and Triumphs

Last year wasn’t without its drama! Take the incident with Juliu Gillick from Edison. After being ejected in the Division 3 semifinal for unsportsmanlike conduct, he couldn’t play in the title game, not even after an appeal! Despite this setback, Edison marched on to win the final against Simi Valley with a score of 35-21.

On a high note, St. Pius X – St. Matthias made a heartwarming comeback by winning the Division 8 crown after a rocky 1-9 start to their season. Now, how about that for a drastic turnaround?

Looking Ahead

The CIF Southern Section is also planning to shine a spotlight on some of the most talented defensive backs in Southern California for the 2025 season, and we absolutely can’t wait to see the prospects they bring to the field. Football fans, it’s time to rally behind your favorite teams as we dive into another spectacular season filled with action, drama, and unforgettable moments!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Lake Mills Baseball Coach Honored with Coach of the Year Award
Pine Forest High School Announces New Basketball Coaches
Georgia High School Football Season 2025 Kicks Off
Yough High School Appoints Devin Owens as Boys Basketball Coach
Garrett Luett Shines in All-State Baseball Selections
Alabama High School Football Preseason Rankings Announced for 2025
Isaac Collins: Rising Star of the Milwaukee Brewers
Spotlighting Carolina’s Basketball Elite: A Look at the Legends
Iowa High School Baseball Announces 2025 All-State Teams
East Ridge High School Girls Cross Country Team Aims for Championship Glory

Additional Resources