WATCH: Alabama QB commit Keelon Russell throws a subtle shade at Mater Dei when naming the best high school football state

The debate between California and Texas high school football cultures is a nationwide thing, especially when famous programs like Mater Dei High School (California) and Duncanville High School (Texas) are involved. For Duncanville’s quarterback and Alabama commit, Keelon Russell, the question of whether “Cali is better than Texas” has become a recurring, and sometimes tiring, topic.

Speaking with The UC Report, Russell shared his views on the endless comparisons, saying:

"So I get this question a lot. You know what I'm saying? I get this question like every time."

This season, both schools hold undefeated records. Mater Dei is ranked No. 1 nationally at 9-0, and Duncanville is close behind at No. 3 with 9-0 as well. But Russell thinks there is an unfair bias toward Mater Dei, often portrayed as the gold standard of high school football.

"Y'all say, you know, Mater Dei gon' win," Russell said. "Mater Dei gon' to do this. Mater Dei going to do that. You know what I'm saying? We ain't going to really see until, you know, yeah."

The latest rivalry game between these two schools occurred on Aug. 27, 2021, when Mater Dei traveled to Duncanville and secured a massive 45-3 victory. This fueled California supporters' belief in the superiority of West Coast football. However, Russell argues that such a comparison isn’t reflective of what Texas brings to the table.

"I feel like Texas, you got to understand," Russell said. "Thank y'all. Thank y'all. Thank y'all. You know what I'm saying? Texas, we just do it all. Like we do it all. We big time over here, for sure."

Keelon Russell is in his senior season and will suit up for Alabama next season. He is the nation's No. 1 quarterback, per ESPN and Rivals.

Keelon Russell's Duncanville career so far

Keelon Russell has recorded a total of 5,893 passing yards, 71 touchdown passes and an average of 256.2 yards per game in his Duncanville career. Throughout these games, he has completed 342 passes out of 469 attempts, with only three interceptions.

In the Panthers' 48-6 win over Cedar Hill on Oct. 7, Russell connected with five-star receiver Dakorien Moore for the first touchdown on a precise throw to the end zone. He ended the game by completing 7 of 15 passes for 208 yards and four touchdowns, while also adding 16 yards on two carries.