With that we are back with another discussion of the matchup that could carry the weight and legacy of the entire High School Football. Mater Dei versus De La Salle. Two programs steeped in tradition will collide under the bright lights of Saddleback College on Saturday night, fighting for the CIF Open Division state championship. But the question hanging in the air isn’t about who wants it more. It’s about whether the Spartans can hold their ground against a Monarchs squad that looks every bit like a powerhouse bound for history books.

The buzz heading into this game has been electric, with the MaxPreps Podcast hosts Zack Poff and Steve Montoya, on episode 12 calling out the stakes in no uncertain terms. “CalPreps has Mater Dei as a 41-point favorite,” Poff said. “They’re the number one team in the nation for a reason. Their offensive line, defensive line, secondary—it’s all probably the best in the country. Dash Beierly has been phenomenal at quarterback. It’s going to be a tough night for the Spartans.” That’s high praise—and a stark reality check—for De La Salle fans hoping for a miracle against the Goliath side that stays on the pitch the whole day to train.

On paper, Mater Dei is the Goliath. Their star QB, Dash Beierly, has been nothing short of surgical this season, with 1,820 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a 118.4 passer rating. Add to that his mobility—440 rushing yards and five scores—and you’ve got a dual-threat nightmare. Cocah Raul Lara and Monarchs also boast Oregon commit Tomuhini Topui, the No. 1 defensive lineman in the 2026 class, who anchors a defense as impenetrable as a fortress. It’s no wonder they’ve been steamrolling opponents all year.

Poff and Montoya touched on what makes this matchup special, even if the odds seem lopsided. “De La Salle is 12-0 this season, and it’s been a while since they’ve had a season like this,” Montoya noted. “Their win against Pittsburgh was tough, and Pittsburgh showed how good they are by beating Folsom. The Spartans have played great this year, but Mater Dei is just a different beast.” Translation? De La Salle will need a near-perfect game to keep it close, let alone win.

And they are the one program that knows how to stand tall against giants, it’s Justin Alumbaugh and his De La Salle. The Spartans have their own ace in quarterback Toa Faavae, a gritty senior who’s rushed for 14 touchdowns and over 500 yards this season. While his passing stats (698 yards, 56.1% completion) don’t leap off the page, his ability to run and extend plays could be the X-factor. The Spartans also have a defense that’s been opportunistic, if not dominant. And let’s not forget their track record: De La Salle hasn’t reached this stage since 2019, but their pedigree speaks for itself.

Still, there’s a reason we watch the games. Anything can happen when pride, preparation, and pressure collide. Mater Dei might be the favorite, but De La Salle has its own magic. They’ve built their dynasty on defying expectations and outworking opponents. Could this be one of those nights? As Montoya put it, “You never know, man.”

When the whistle blows at 8 p.m. on Saturday, expect fireworks.

Can Alumbaugh’s Spartans defy algorithm to conquer Mater Dei?

CalPreps.com’s computer doesn’t mess around, and it’s calling this one a lopsided affair: Mater Dei 44, De La Salle 3. If you’re a Spartans fan, you might want to brace yourself. While the prediction may feel brutal, history seems to back it up.

Northern California hasn’t claimed an Open Division state championship since 2015, when De La Salle edged Corona Centennial 28-21. Since then, Southern California powerhouses like Mater Dei and St. John Bosco have dominated the stage—and by wide margins. Mater Dei has been particularly ruthless in recent finals, dismantling Serra (San Mateo) 44-7 in 2021 and 35-0 in 2023. Oh, and don’t forget their 52-21 rout of De La Salle back in the 2017 title game, followed by a 35-21 victory the next year.

This year’s matchup doesn’t seem to promise much relief for De La Salle. The Spartans boast one of the best ground games in the country, but they managed only 10 points against Pittsburg last week in a rain-soaked grinder. Let’s face it—they’ll need way more than that to keep up with Mater Dei’s high-octane offense.

Can De La Salle flip the script? Anything’s possible in football, but if history and the algorithm have their say, the Monarchs are rolling toward another title.