Mater Dei vs. St. John Bosco Trinity League Preview: Important players, predictions and history

The No. 1 Mater Dei Monarchs will take on the No. 2 St. John Bosco Braves on Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the Santa Ana Stadium, Mater Dei’s off-campus home field.

Mater Dei is riding high after a 41-17 victory over JSerra Catholic on Friday, extending their perfect record to 7-0. The Monarchs have already defeated several highly-ranked national contenders, including then-No. 2 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nevada) 31-15 and then-No. 9 Corona Centennial (California) 42-25.

Meanwhile, St. John Bosco is also enjoying an undefeated season with an 8-0 record. The Braves come off a 27-17 win over Servite on Friday and have similarly been tested against some of the country’s best. Their signature victories include a 34-27 win over then-No. 6 Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Florida) and a 38-28 win over nationally ranked Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, California).

Mater Dei vs. St. John Bosco: Prediction

Mater Dei has won 10 straight home games dating back to last season, using the familiar surroundings of Santa Ana Stadium. St. John Bosco has also strung together 10 consecutive road wins.

Both teams possess potent offenses, but the battle in the trenches may be the deciding factor. Mater Dei averages 159.6 rushing yards per game, but the absence of Mater Dei’s junior five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. could be a factor.

Meanwhile St. John Bosco is not far behind with an average of 151.2 rushing yards per game.

Despite the talent on both sides, Mater Dei will enter this game with a slight advantage. St. John Bosco will undoubtedly put up a strong fight, but expect Mater Dei to extend its winning streak.

Mater Dei important players

1. Running back Jordon Davison

Four-star running back Jordon Davison has recorded 592 rushing yards and eight touchdowns so far in this season. In Mater Dei's last match against JSerra Catholic on Friday, he rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown.

2. Quarterback Dash Beierly

Through seven games of the season, three-star quarterback Dash Beierly has thrown for 999 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for 226 yards and one touchdown. In the last match, he threw for 160 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown.

3. Defensive Lineman Tomuhini Topui

Through seven games of the season, Tomuhini Topui has recorded 24 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback hurry, 4.5 sacks and one interception.

St. John Bosco important players

1. Quarterback Koa Malau'Ulu

Underclassman quarterback Koa Malau'Ulu has thrown for 854 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also rushing for 122 yards and two touchdowns. He is the first freshman to start for Negro in 22 years and threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns in the last match against Servite.

2. Wide receiver Madden Williams

Through eight games of the season, wide receiver Madden Williams has recorded 642 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. In the last match, he had 71 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

3. Defensive lineman Dutch Horisk

Defensive lineman Dutch Horisk has recorded 40 tackles, eight tackles for loss and four sacks throughout eight games of the season. In St. John Bosco's last match, he recorded a sack and seven total tackles.

Mater Dei vs. St. John Bosco: Head-to-head

In their most recent meeting in November, Mater Dei secured a 35-7 win. Overall, Mater Dei leads the series with 30 wins compared to St. John Bosco’s 13 victories. Mater Dei has claimed five national titles since 1982, while St. John Bosco has captured two.