No matter if you’re a current or pass-out Mater Dei High School student, you will be glad to see this Monarchs’ tradition still continued. The now head coach, Raul Lara, stays after practice “CALLING ALL 3STRIPERS” for Thanksgiving like Optimus Prime called the Autobots across the universe. And for a bigger purpose, that could impact these current young Monarchs.

In a noteworthy Instagram post by Mater Dei School, putting the Monarchs to notice, “CALLING ALL 3STRIPERS!!! It’s an honor for the #Monarchs to have reached this point of the season. Join us Thanksgiving morning for one of the greatest traditions of Mater Dei Football!  \|/,” the caption read. The HC, with all glory to God, wants the seniors to come and inspire the kids ahead of their Division 1 championship game. And if you can’t come, make sure to sing a prayer for your old school. For those of y’all going, the practice starts at 8 AM and will end around 9:15 AM, you know where. Thanksgiving morning is typically reserved for turkey and touchdowns, but for Mater Dei, it’s about traditions, prayers, and a powerful sense of community.

The Monarchs are no strangers to high-stakes games, but this season’s run to the finals hasn’t been without its challenges. Their 11-0 record tells a story of dominance, but Friday’s semifinal win came at a cost. Star quarterback Dash Beierly was knocked out of the game after a brutal hit in the second quarter. In true Monarch fashion, the team adjusted on the fly, with sophomore Furian Inferrera stepping in and delivering a clutch touchdown pass before senior Chase Wegener closed out the fourth quarter. “This team has grit,” Lara said postgame. “We’ve faced adversity all season, and we’ll be ready for Bosco.”

As the Monarchs prepare to clash with St. John Bosco (11-1) at Veterans Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher. In yet another battle for a championship, it was also a defining moment for the Long Beach seniors, like Penn State commit Daryus Dixson, who electrified fans with a 32-yard pick-six in the semifinal. “Every interception, every fumble recovery—these moments define us,” Monarchs head coach Raul Lara said.

With their other four-star committed to the Ducks, these guys are already more than grateful. Which tells a lot about their head coach’s character.

Mater Dei’s head monarch focuses on character before their big game

Mater Dei football coach Raul Lara added a thoughtful twist to the usual hype surrounding the CIF-SS championship week. At the luncheon ahead of Friday’s Division 1 showdown against No. 7 St. John Bosco, Lara chose to let his senior captains introduce themselves.

“Regardless where I’ve been, (Long Beach) Poly, Warren, St. Anthony,” he continued, “the focus has always been on the kids and that’s why I wanted to pass the mic so they can present themselves and speak up and stuff like that.” It was a small but powerful gesture, reinforcing his philosophy of leadership development and team unity.

His influence at Mater Dei, now 11-0 and ranked No. 1 in the nation, has been evident all season. From calmly advising a player in the heat of a pregame exchange to maintaining jerseys without names on the back—a nod to team-first culture—Lara’s fingerprints are all over the Monarchs’ success.