High school football rankings: California powerhouse Mater Dei is No. 1 in Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

Behind senior quarterback Elijah Brown and loaded supporting cast, Monarchs favored to secure third national title since 2017 under first-year head coach.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Zack Poff
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Jun 26, 2023, 9:15am
Waves of talent, 10 returning starters on defense and senior quarterback Elijah Brown helped put Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) in the No. 1 spot of our Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 high school football rankings. Brown is 29-1 as the program's starting signal caller, helping the Monarchs extend a streak of five consecutive top three national finishes.

First-year head coach Frank McManus takes over for Bruce Rollinson, who retired after 34 years on the sideline at Mater Dei. He led the Monarchs to a 341-87-2 record and national titles in 2017 and 2021. McManus has been with Mater Dei for 16 years, the last seven as defensive backs coach.

Expectations will be sky high for McManus out of the gate thanks to a loaded roster. Brown will be protected by one of the best offensive lines in the country including top 100 senior prospects Brandon Baker and DeAndre Carter. Marcus Brown, Jordon Davison, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Nate Frazier, Marcus Harris and Jack Ressler headline the skill position players.

More Class of 2024 top 100 talent is among the 10 returning starters on defense, led by defensive lineman Aydin Breland and cornerback Zabien Brown. Daryus Dixson, Chuck McDonald and Nasir Wyatt are all elite defensive prospects in the Class of 2025.

Read on for a complete look at the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25. Click on school names for complete team previews.
Head coach: Frank McManus
2022 record: 12-1 | Final ranking: No. 3

Head coach: Brent Browner
2022 record: 14-1 | Final ranking: No. 4

Head coach: Jason Negro
2022 record: 13-1 | Final ranking: No. 1

Head coach: Billy Miller
2022 record: 8-1 | Final ranking: No. 5

Head coach: Jube Joseph
2022 record: 14-0 | Final ranking: No. 2

Head coach: Messay Hailemariam
2022 record: 9-1 | Final ranking: No. 8

Head coach: Dameon Jones
2022 record: 13-1 | Final ranking: No. 10

Head coach: Reginald Samples
2022 record: 15-0 | Final ranking: No. 7

Head coach: Roger Harriott
2022 record: 14-0 | Final ranking: No. 6

Head coach: Bryant Appling
2022 record: 11-1 | Final ranking: Not ranked

Head coach: Tim Roken
2022 record: 12-1 | Final ranking: No. 19

Head coach: Joey King
2022 record: 14-1 | Final ranking: No. 22

Head coach: Willie Gaston
2022 record: 14-1 | Final ranking: No. 9

Head coach: Daniel Williams
2022 record: 15-0 | Final ranking: No. 15

Head coach: Matt Logan
2022 record: 9-2 | Final ranking: Not ranked

Head coach: Tom Lombardo
2022 record: 15-1 | Final ranking: No. 17

17. DeSoto (Texas)
Head coach: Claude Mathis
2022 record: 13-2 | Final ranking: No. 21

Head coach: Chris McDonald
2022 record: 12-1 | Final ranking: No. 18

Head coach: Kevin Mawae
2022 record: 13-0 | Final ranking: No. 13

Head coach: Sean Calhoun
2022 record: 13-1 | Final ranking: Not ranked

Head coach: Mike Smith
2022 record: 13-2 | Final ranking: No. 12

Head coach: Andy Stefanelli
2022 record: 8-3 | Final ranking: Not ranked

Head coach: Dave Dunn
2022 record: 14-1 | Final ranking: No. 23

Head coach: Vito Campanile
2022 record: 11-1 | Final ranking: No. 20

Head coach: Calvin Norman
2022 record: 14-0 | Final ranking: Not ranked

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