There’s something magnetic about a coach who’s as much a philosopher as a tactician. Raul Lara, the maestro behind Mater Dei’s back-to-back CIF Open Division state titles, seems to exist in that rarefied air. Whether it’s channeling his inner Tyson’s ferocity to fire up his Monarchs or serving up life lessons with the same precision as his play calls, Lara is back with his usual dad-like guidance for his young high school Monarchs, the guy who’ll remind you to do your chores with a perfectly-timed social media guidance. But this time, his wisdom wasn’t just life advice—it was a litmus test for his players, and the stakes are high.

Lara’s latest sermon, if documented, can be launched as an unofficial series of ‘Coach Lara and his wisdom’. It came not through a pregame huddle but on the 58-year-old coach’s private Instagram story, where he shared a post from influencer-coach Gino Myers-Kyles. The post detailed “10 Traits Coaches Love in a Player.” Simple enough, right? Hustle, be coachable, show a positive attitude—essentially, all the things every athlete hears at every level. But Lara didn’t just share the list; he made it personal. “Hmmmm! Are you doing this?” he asked, a playful yet pointed challenge to his players. For a coach with a knack for blending humor with hard truths, this wasn’t just an offhand comment. It was a gauntlet thrown down for his team, particularly the 5-star recruits whose futures may hinge on mastering these basics.

What makes this message so potent is Lara’s timing. Fresh off a season where Mater Dei’s defense resembled an impenetrable fortress, talks have already begun about this being one of the best editions in the program’s storied history. With a market of 5-Star recruits stacked and some of the elite CFB programs like the Ducks, Aggies and Ohio State have already done their shopping. Raul Lara knows this. He also knows that talent alone won’t cut it at the next level. “Effort, attitude, and willingness to learn—those are the separators,” he often tells his team. And when a coach with multiple national titles starts harping on the basics, you better believe it’s for a reason.

The Monarchs’ dominance this season wasn’t just about raw talent—it was a masterclass in discipline, grit, and the intangible qualities Raul Lara is preaching. Their defense, often compared to a steel curtain, held opponents to single digits in nine games. But behind the highlight reels and the gaudy stats, it’s the little things—players who run an extra sprint at practice or stay late to watch film—that make a championship team. Lara’s Instagram challenge wasn’t just a test of character; it was a reminder of what got them here. Coaches notice the little things. And so do recruiters.

And for a coach who’s already cemented his legacy, it’s a way to ensure his players don’t just thrive in high school but succeed in life. Because at the end of the day, the championship rings tarnish, but the lessons stick.

Raul Lara and his edition of Monarchs are the GOAT

It’s tough to argue with perfection. Mater Dei wrapped up an undefeated 13-0 season under life-coach Raul Lara this fall, steamrolling opponents by a combined score of 479-189. But the big question remains: Is this year’s Mater Dei squad the best ever?

For a verdict, we turn to Steve Fryer of the Orange County Register, who’s been covering Mater Dei since 1990. “Every year, I find myself asking the same question,” Fryer said. “We can’t fall into the trap of living in the moment, but talent-wise, this team is definitely up there.” However, Fryer pointed out one difference: the absence of a marquee quarterback like Mater Dei legends JT Daniels or Bryce Young. “Dash Beierly is very good, but he’s not that ‘ace’ QB we’ve seen in the past.”

What really made this team shine, though, was the defense. Fryer admitted, “This might be the best defensive unit Mater Dei has ever had.”

As dominant as the offense was—featuring Washington-bound QB Dash Beierly, Oregon commit RB Jordon Davison, and WR Marcus Harris—it was the defense that left pundits speechless. Led by stars like Nasir Wyatt (Oregon), Abduall Sanders (Alabama), and Trinity League MVP Tomuhini Topui (Oregon), the defensive line and linebackers wreaked havoc all season long. This squad might just be the gold standard.

For all the buzz about Mater Dei’s stacked roster, Lara’s focus on these traits signals something deeper: a belief that success on the field starts with habits off it. “Are you doing this?” isn’t just a question for his players; it’s a mantra.