MaxPreps California Top 25 high school football rankings: Mater Dei holds tight at No. 1

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If there were any doubts, the Mater Dei (Santa Ana) football team answered all of them on Friday night to cement its hold on the top spot in the MaxPreps Top 25 California rankings.

The Monarchs, the nation's No. 1 team, beat the nation's No. 2 squad St. John Bosco (Bellflower) in convincing fashion 38-24 at Bosco's beautiful Panish Stadium Stadium.

Bryce Young, as he's done all season, carried Mater Dei, accounting for 334 yards and all five of his team's touchdowns, three passing and two rushing. All three TD passes were to Kody Epps (11 catches, 175 yards) and junior running back Marceese Yetts added 96 yards rushing on 13 carries.

Mater Dei piled up 462 yards overall to 445 for Bosco, which got big games from quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (17 of 30, 320 yards, two touchdowns) and receivers Logan Loya (seven catches, 129 yards, TD), Jode McDuffie (5-116) and Kris Hutson (52-yard TD). But the Braves never led and never closed to within two touchdowns the second half.

The two teams figure to rematch in about a month for the Southern Section Division 1 title.

In other big California games from the Top 25, previous No. 12 Sierra Canyon upset No. 9 Grace Brethren 13-7, limiting the high-powered Lancers to just 286 yards and a single touchdown. Trailblazers' quarterback Chayden Peery completed 23-of-36 passes for 338 yards and a touchdown to DJ Harvey (6 catches, 128 yards). Jason Jones rushed for a touchdown.

The other big game featuring two ranked teams was a blowout, as fifth-ranked Mission Viejo defeated No. 23 San Clemente 38-6. David Meyer, had 14 tackles to lead the defense, which recorded six sacks and forced four turnovers. Jacquez Robertson rushed for two touchdowns.

The top game this week will be to see if Grace Brethren can bounce back. It faces Camarillo, which entered the rankings at No. 25 this week.  Top 25 California high school football rankings