California high school football: St. John Bosco's Matayo Uiagalalei leads MaxPreps All-State Team

By Zack Poff May 5, 2021, 12:00pm

Mater Dei lands 11 selections while Braves pick up eight spots from spring season.

California recently finished up one of the most unique high school football seasons after moving from the fall to the spring. There were no playoffs or state championships while most schools played anywhere from four-to-six games in a shortened season. A lot of top-recruits skipped their senior year to enroll in college early or focus on the next level.

However, there was still a lot to play for as most kids were just happy to get back on the field and have the opportunity to play the game they love.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Final Top 25 California rankings

Mater Dei (Santa Ana) finished the spring season as the state's No. 1 team and is well represented on the California MaxPreps All-State Team. The 11 Monarchs selections are led by 2021 USC signee Raesjon Davis, five-star USC commit Domani Jackson and 2022 Oklahoma commit Raleek Brown.



After a 5-0 spring and a host of returners, Mater Dei has a good chance to be No. 1 when we release our 2021 preseason MaxPreps Top 25 rankings later this summer.

The state's No. 2 team, St. John Bosco (Bellflower), was also well-represented with eight All-State picks, led by Class of 2023 standout Matayo Uiagalelei and four-star offensive lineman Earnest Greene III.

Twenty-four different schools had at least one player selected with 14 having multiple selections. In total, 28 seniors, 22 juniors, seven sophomores and one freshman fill out the 59 player list selected on the California all-state team.
Graphic by Ryan Escobar
First Team Offense

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2023)
Threw for over 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading the Griffins to a 6-0 record. The top-rated prospect in California from the Class of 2023 completed 73 percent of his passes.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Averaged nearly 200 yards rushing a game for an offense that scored 40-plus points in all five contests. 

Height: 5-8 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Oklahoma | Class: Junior (2022)
The top-rated all purpose back in the Class of 2022 was one of the most explosive playmakers in the state, averaging more than seven yards per touch during his first season with the Monarchs.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 185
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Matched up against the best defensive backs in the state each week. Against Mater Dei and St. John Bosco he had 15 receptions for 248 yards and two touchdowns.



Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200
Status: Signed with Fresno State | Class: Senior (2021)
In five games, the future Bulldog had 39 receptions for a state best 1,014 yards and 15 touchdowns. He averaged over 200 yards receiving per game and 26 yards per catch while adding 35 tackles and two interceptions on defense.
 
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 265
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2023)
Was a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses in the red zone and had three touchdowns. Also, is an outstanding blocker and a big-time defensive end.

OL Earnest Greene, St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
Height: 6-4.5 | Weight: 330
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Led the way in the trenches for the Braves and is the second-rated offensive guard in the Class of 2022 on 247Sports composite rankings.

OL George Miki-Han, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 310
Status: Signed with Colorado State | Class: Senior (2021)
Finished his Monarch career leading Mater Dei to a No. 1 finish in the state rankings paving the way for an offense that averaged 41.6 points per game.

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 290
Status: Signed with USC | Class: Senior (2021)
The top-rated offensive tackle in California from the Class of 2021 was a bright spot for the Lions this spring.

OL Edward Riley, St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 270
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2021)
Played a major role on the offensive line for the Braves over the last three years and dominated opposing defensive lineman during a shortened spring campaign.

Height: 6-3.5 | Weight: 315
Status: Signed with UCLA | Class: Senior (2021)
Expect the second-rated offensive guard in the state from the Class of 2021 to make a quick impact for the Bruins at the next level.

AP Makai Lemon, Los Alamitos
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2023)
Had 43 receptions for 756 yards and nine touchdowns to go with four interceptions on defense while making a huge impact on special teams too.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 205
Status: Signed with Colorado | Class: Senior (2021)
Connected on 17-of-19 field goals over the last two years and made all 45 point after attempts.

First Team Defense

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 235
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Racked up 34 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and eight sacks for a defense that allowed two points over the last five games.

DL Jaxson Moi, Cathedral Catholic (San Diego)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 260
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Dominated in the trenches for one of the best defenses in California.



Height: 6-0 | Weight: 230
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2021)
Posted 67 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and nine sacks in six games for one of the top teams in Southern California.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 220
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2021)
Led the Tritons to a 5-0 season and a South Coast League title. Finished his senior year with 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

LB Raesjon Davis, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 215
Status: Signed with USC | Class: Senior (2021)
Came back to play his senior season and was the leader on defense for the best team in the state. Finished the spring with 19 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a pick-six.

LB David Bailey, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
In a 24-17 win over Servite he finished with 10 tackles, four sacks and forced a fumble and recovered it on a huge quarterback hit to seal the win.

LB Andrew Simpson, St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 220
Status: Signed with Boise State | Class: Senior (2021)
Finished his senior year with 27 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions.

DB Domani Jackson, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to USC | Class: Junior (2022)
Displayed during the spring why he's the No. 4 overall prospect in the Class of 2022.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 175
Status: Signed with USC | Class: Senior (2021)
Came back to finish his senior year this spring and led the Cubs to an undefeated record.

Height: 5-11.5 | Weight: 175
Status: Committed to Notre Dame | Class: Junior (2022)
The Inland Empire power has produced some big-time defensive backs and Mickey is next up.



DB Joshua Hunter, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 165
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Showed his toughness during the spring playing with a broken wrist finishing the year with 21 tackles and two interceptions.

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 170
Status: Signed with Virginia Tech | Class: Senior (2021)
As good as any player in California during the shortened spring season.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Maryland | Class: Senior (2021)
Led the state averaging 46 yards per punt.

Second Team Offense

QB Noah Fifita, Servite (Anaheim)
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 170
Status: Committed to Arizona | Class: Junior (2022)
Threw for over 1,200 yards and had 10 touchdowns to only two interceptions. Added 11 more scores on the ground playing against the best competition in the state.

QB Elijah Brown, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 180
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Freshman (2024)
Became the fourth freshman to start at quarterback for Mater Dei and threw for nearly 1,000 yards and had 15 touchdowns to only one interception. He completed 69% of his passes.

RB James Bohls, San Clemente
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195
Status: Signed with Arizona | Class: Senior (2021)
Rushed for 655 yards and 11 touchdowns for one of the top teams in California. In a 10-7 win over Mission Viejo, he was the best player on the field and finished the night with 23 carries for 132 yards and a score.

Height: 5-9 | Weight: 195
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Was as good as any running back in the state and helped lead the Warriors to a 4-1 spring season.



WR CJ Williams, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 195
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Saved his best for last in the biggest game of the spring against St. John Bosco when he hauled in two touchdowns.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 190
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2023)
Finished the six game season with 31 receptions for 606 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Height: 5-8 | Weight: 190
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2023)
A name to watch over the next two years, he had 34 receptions for 470 yards and eight touchdowns during his sophomore campaign.

TE Walker Lyons, Folsom
Height: 6-4.5 | Weight: 230
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2023)
Helped the Bulldogs to a 6-0 spring season and had nearly 300 yards receiving and five touchdowns.

OL Maximus Gibbs, St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 385
Status: Signed with USC | Class: Senior (2021)
Helped give the Braves one of the best offensive lines in California.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 290
Status: Signed with Southwest Minnesota State | Class: Senior (2021)
Played at a high level in both pass and run blocking.

OL BJ Tolo, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 290
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2023)
Has been starting on the offensive line since his freshman year and had another stellar season as a sophomore.

OL Devin Spencer, Centennial (Corona)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 290
Status: Committed to Pennsylvania | Class: Senior (2021)
Led the way on the offensive line for a Huskies team that averaged over 55 points per game.

OL Tyson Molio'o, St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 295
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Had a dominant spring season and is one of four Brave offensive lineman to make the all-state team.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2021)
One of the best playmakers in California made a major impact in all three phases of the game. Accounted for 13 total touchdowns and an interception for a 5-0 Titans squad.

AP Hassan Mahasin, Serra (San Mateo)
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 185
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Explosive running back, slot receiver, strong safety led the state’s No. 15 team to a 5-0 record with 745 total yards and 10 touchdowns. Was the Bay Area News Group's Player of the Year. Nine college offers — recruiting ranking rapidly rising.



K Chase Meyer, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 170
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Made four of five field goals this spring while connecting on all 27 extra point attempts.
Second Team Defense

DL Micah Carreon, Mission Viejo
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 275
Status: Committed to Northern Arizona | Class: Senior (2021)
Led the way in the trenches for the Diablos and shared Defensive MVP honors in the South Coast League with Vaughn.

DL Tyler Deleon, Los Alamitos
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 230
Status: Committed to Army | Class: Senior (2021)
Racked up 49 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks for the Sunset League champs.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 250
Status: Signed with California | Class: Senior (2021)
Demanded a double team all spring and was the leader for one of the most talented defensive lines in California.

DL Hero Kanu, Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 290
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
There might not be a player with more upside in the Class of 2022. He has been playing football for just over a year and shined playing against the best competition during his junior season.

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 230
Status: Signed with BYU | Class: Senior (2021)
Posted 49 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks in five games this spring.

LB Cole Bullock, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 225
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2021)
One of the most underrated linebackers in the Class of 2021 led the way on defense for a team that allowed 7.3 points per game.

LB Niuafe Tuihalamaka, Alemany (Mission Hills)
Height: 6-1.5 | Weight: 240
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Showed why he's the third-rated inside linebacker in the Class of 2022 on 247Sports composite rankings this spring.

LB Jacob Manu, Servite (Anaheim)
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 210
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
One of the best linebackers in the state from the Class of 2022 was the leader on defense for the Friars.

DB Tayvion Beasley, St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 165
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
One of the best all-around defensive backs in the state is the complete package. Quarterbacks rarely look his direction and he is one of the top tackling cornerbacks in high school football.

DB Malachi Williams, Cathedral Catholic (San Diego)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 200
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2021)
One of the best safeties in the state led the way for a defense that posted four shutouts in five games.



DB Sione Hala, St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 190
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Led a very talented defense in tackles and tied for the team lead in interceptions.

DB Shoes Brinkley, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 185
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
One of the most physical safeties in the state led the Monarchs in tackles and tied for the team lead in interceptions. He recently announced he is attending Myrtle Beach Prep (S.C.) for a post-graduate year and reclassified to the Class of 2022.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 215
Status: Signed with UCLA | Class: Senior (2021)
Made plays all over the field. Intercepted six passes in five games while racking up 36 tackles to go with over 300 yards receiving and four touchdowns on offense.

DB Jack Kane, Servite (Anaheim)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180
Status: Signed with Oregon State | Class: Senior (2021)
The Beavers are getting a huge steal in Kane. Had three interceptions this spring and made one of the plays of the year with a one-handed INT.

Height: 5-10 | Weight: 160
Status: Signed with California | Class: Senior (2021)
Decided to come back and play his senior year this spring and led the Spartans to a 6-0 season and spot at No. 3 in the final Top 25 state rankings.

AP Zeke Berry, De La Salle (Concord)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2022)
Will be the leader for the Bay Area power next fall and showed why he's one of the top players in the Class of 2022 during a six-game spring season.

Height: 5-10 | Weight: 170
Status: Committed to Arizona | Class: Senior (2021)
Finished second in California averaging 45.1 yards per punt. More than half of his punts went inside the 20 and he connected on all three field goals this spring.