With Mariah Carey’s “all I want for Christmas is you” track ringing all over, the Christmas vibes are around, and the halls are decked. But there’s something magical about Xmas in Southern California—palm trees draped in lights, festive vibes in the air, and, this year, the nation’s No. 1 high school football team soaking up the glory of a perfect season. Mater Dei Monarchs, crowned National Champions for the third time in eight years, had more than one reason to spread holiday cheer. As families unwrapped presents and decorated trees, the Monarchs and a few other rival SoCal high school stars took to social media with heartfelt messages that reminded us of all what the season is truly about.

For coach Raul Lara’s Mater Dei, Christmas came early on December 15th when they delivered a dominant performance in the Open Division State Championship, steamrolling De La Salle Spartans 37-15. It capped off a flawless 13-0 season and solidified their place atop the MaxPreps Top 25. But what made this win even sweeter was the camaraderie and positivity that extended beyond the gridiron. “Merry Christmas from our Monarch family to yours 🎄 \|/,” read the team’s official post, signed with their iconic trident. It wasn’t just a message; it was a statement of unity from a team that’s battled through one of the toughest schedules in the country.

And it wasn’t just the Monarchs spreading the cheer. Mater Dei’s five-star defensive lineman, Tomuhini Topui—the nation’s No. 1 in his position—was seen wrapped in the holiday celebrations. In an Instagram story, courtesy of his mother, Yola, who keeps him grounded and also is his life coach. Featured him unwrapping gifts for his baby siblings, “Merry Christmas everyone from me and my little family ❤,” she shared, radiating the warmth of the season. A rare sight human display for Lanning and Oregon signee who is often seen bulldozing players on the field.

Even rivals joined in the festive spirit. IMG Academy’s rising star, 2026 five-star safety Zech Fort, posted a stunning shot of a California lake with the caption, “Merry CHRISTmas ❤✝.” Emphasizing Christ in bold letters, Fort reminded his followers of the spiritual essence of the holiday. It’s not every day you see competitors celebrating side by side, but moments like these showcase the humanity that transcends the fierce battles on the field. For Fort, whose future is as bright as the holiday lights, with offers from Michigan and other powerhouses.

The Monarchs’ story this year is one for the history books: eight wins against nationally ranked teams, a championship-clinching wire-to-wire run, and now, a holiday season steeped in gratitude. Their journey is a testament to the power of preparation, resilience, and community. Christmas, it seems, is just another chapter in a season defined by unity and purpose.

Christmas already came in early for Mater Dei

The Mater Dei Monarchs cemented their place as the No. 1 high school football team in the nation this year with a dominant season defined by an average margin of victory of 22.3 points per game. Eleven of their 13 opponents couldn’t even crack 18 points, thanks to a defense that played like it had a point to prove and an offense that seemed unstoppable. Had a lot of early Xmas gifts for individuals and both sides of the ball on the field for the HS team.

In the Open Division state championship game, senior quarterback Dash Beierly put on a clinic, completing 18 of 27 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, another Oregon commit, Jordon Davison showed why he’s heading to B1G, racking up 107 yards and two scores on 17 carries.

Davison’s season was like a festival in its sense, rushing for 1,233 yards and 19 touchdowns to earn MaxPreps California’s best high school player award. Beierly and Davison anchored an offense that averaged 36.8 points per game, while a suffocating defense, led by standout Tomuhini Topui, allowed just 14.5 points per contest.

Simply put, this year’s Xmas was just another excuse to celebrate, only this time with their families in focus.