If there’s one game that can bring the entire high school football world to a standstill, its Mater Dei versus De La Salle. These are not just football programs—they’re dynasties, legends, and, for their fans, a way of life. This Saturday, the storied rivals will meet under the lights at Saddleback College to decide the California State Open Division Championship, and it promises to be a battle for the ages.

On paper, under coach Raul Lara who took over the legendary coach Bruce Rollinson this year, Mater Dei Monarchs enters as the overwhelming favorite. Undefeated at 12-0, the Monarchs are not only the top team in Cali but also the consensus No. 1 team in the nation. This powerhouse boasts an absurd 29 players with Division I college offers, a roster that looks more like an All-American showcase than a high school squad. CalPrep.com, the state’s predictive authority, has Mater Dei pegged as a 44-3 winner in this matchup, making De La Salle a stunning 41-point underdog. That’s the kind of gap that makes you do a double-take.

But don’t count out the Spartans just yet. De La Salle has a habit of defying the odds, and this year’s squad is more than just another chapter in their storied history. With a 12-0 record of their own, the Northern California champions are faster and more athletic than in previous years. That’s crucial because Mater Dei’s speed has overwhelmed the Spartans in past title games, including shutout losses the last two seasons. “This year, we’re coming to play,” De La Salle head coach Justin Alumbaugh promised earlier this week.

For Mater Dei, it’s all about maintaining their throne. Led by Lara and Topui, the No. 1 DL of 2026, this program has been a recruiting factory for nearly a decade. The Monarchs are the kings of SoCal, with athletes who will probably dominate college football in the coming years. Yet, Raul Lara knows better than to sleep on De La Salle. “They’ve got heart, speed, and history on their side,” he said at a pre-game press conference. “We’re ready, but we’re not taking anything for granted.”

As for the Spartans, well, they are playing for more than just an upset—they’re playing for pride. Their offense, led by a dual-threat quarterback and a speedy backfield, will look to test Mater Dei’s vaunted defense early and often. While history may not be on their side, but the Monarchs have owned this rivalry in recent years. Coach Alumbaugh and his troops are determined to rewrite the narrative. Saturday’s game might just be the spark that brings the Spartans back to glory.

Countdown to glory: CIF State Football Championship path set

The stakes couldn’t be higher than this teams as across California gear up for the CIF State Football Championship, happening December 13-14. Winners from the NorCal and SoCal Regional games will battle it out to claim the coveted title of CIF State Champion. Here’s the exciting rundown of matchups by division:

In your Division 1-AA near you, kick off with Folsom heading to Pittsburg on Friday at 7:30 p.m., while Newbury Park squares off against Lincoln-San Diego at Southwestern College at 8:00 p.m. And Division 1-A, St. Ignatius taking on Central in Fresno on Saturday at 6:00 p.m., followed by Granite Hills vs. Edison at Huntington Beach HS at 7:00 p.m

From Division 2-AA to Division 7–A, the action spreads far and wide. Highlights include Grant visiting Saint Francis in Mountain View (Division 2-AA, Friday, 7:30 p.m.) and Vanden traveling to Pleasant Valley for a Saturday night showdown (Division 3-A, 6:00 p.m.).

The smaller divisions bring just as much excitement as the big ones. In Division 6–AA, Arcata visits Winters on Friday at 7:30 p.m., while Pasadena clashes with Monte Vista in Spring Valley (Division 6-A) on Saturday evening.

So, clear your schedules. The road to the CIF title promises unforgettable moments under the Friday and Saturday night lights. Don’t worry, the most anticipated game in Cali’s football undoubtedly remains Mater Dei and the Spartans.