High School Football, 2026 season

[Butkus51]

4-23-26

Mater Dei HS.  For the 2026 football season, Mater Dei High School has landed transfers, 2027 quarterback Cameron Pooley (from Chaminade), 2028 quarterback Russell Sekona (from Leuzinger), and defensive back Malachi Roby (from Corona Centennial).

While senior QB Furian Inferrera (Minnesota commit), DB Aaryn Washington WR, Gavin Honore transfers out to other schools.

Incoming Transfers (2026 Season Context):

·                                 Cameron Pooley (QB, 2027): Transferred from Chaminade (West Hills) in February 2026.

·                                 Russell Sekona (QB, 2028): Transferred from Leuzinger, Lawdale in February 2026.

·                                 Malachi Roby (DB): Transferred from Corona Centennial.

·                                 Mike Davis Jr. (LB): Transferred from Aquinas.

·                                 Justin Lewis (RB): Transferred from Thousand Oaks.

·                                 Michael Davis (LB): Transferred from Aquinas (joined late 2025/active 2026).

·                                 Patrick Hall (DB): Transferred from Crean Lutheran (joined late 2025/active 2026).

 

Departing Players (2026 Season Context):

·                                 Furian Inferrera (QB): Transferred to Mission Hills.

·                                 Gavin Honore (WR): Transferred to Bishop Gorman (Nevada).

·                                 My-Kel Ramos (DB): Transferred to Sierra Canyon.

·                                 Aaryn Washington (CB): Transferred to IMG Academy (Florida).

·                                 Matt Hergott (OL): Transferred to Cathedral.

I think Russell Sekona will win the QB1 spot.  Losing DB Aaryn Washington & Wr Gavin Honore hurts.  Looking at Mater Dei’s roster, this will be the least talented team in the last 13 yrs.  But, they will still be a top SS CIF team and top 25 national ranked team.  I think the 2026 D-1 SS CIF champ will be between (St John Bosco, Centennial or Sierra Canyon).

• This topic was modified 4 months ago by Butkus51.

[Butkus51]

Correction.  My bad, typo error, Malachi Roby is a RB (not DB).

Note.  Both transfer QB’s are average talent, (3* and 2*).  MD lost a lot of elite (5* and 4*) talent last year via graduation and now 3 via transfers.  Shoot, MD did not land any national type talent like previous years.  Lack of top talent will affect (lower) MD record and national rankings.

[Butkus51]

4-30-26

Here are the key transfers and story lines based on the 2026 transfer tracker:

Top Offensive Transfers

Jaden Jefferson (QB): Cathedral to Corona Centennial. A dynamic quarterback, he is expected to lead the Huskies’ offense as a senior.
Quentin Hale (WR): Cathedral to Corona Centennial. Recorded 62 receptions and 12 touchdowns in 2025.  Dang, Centennial got 2 early Xmas gifts.  Cent was a top team last year, they will again be top 3 in SS CIF, Shaka

Maliq Allen (RB): St. John Bosco to Inglewood. A major contributor from a top-tier Trinity League team.  Too bad for SJB, MA has been with SJB since 9th grade.  Career stats = 1550 yds, 8.0 avg ypc,  He is very fast, 4.4 40 yd, 10.52 100 m.  Something must have pissed him off.

Lequand Jackson (QB): Upland to Baldwin Park. Passed for 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns prior to the transfer.
Koa Smith-Mayall (QB): JSerra to Santa Margarita.
Gino Wang (QB): JSerra to Servite. Had 17 touchdown passes as a sophomore.
Hayes Cloutier (QB): Texas North Crowley to JSerra.   No wonder Koa Smith Mayall transferred to SMC.

Key Defensive & Line Transfers

Marcus Fakatou (DL): Orange Lutheran to Sierra Canyon. A 5-star 2027 prospect (reclassifying to 2026 senior) who had 17 tackles for loss and 7 sacks in 2025.  Dang, Fakatou will make Sierra Canyon a big favorite to take the D-1 SS CIF title in 2026.  They are loaded with college talent. 

Duvay Williams (DB/WR): Gardena Serra to Inglewood.  Huge loss for Serra-Gardena.
Simote Tupou (DL): Henderson (Nev.) Pinecrest Academy to St. John Bosco. Recorded 19 sacks as a sophomore.  Huge PU for SJB.
Jake Whitehead (DB): Inglewood to St. John Bosco.

[Butkus51]

Pre season SS CIF, D-1 rankings.

I would put Sierra Canyon #4 and drop Mater Dei #5.  I have a funny feeling Santa Margarita is gonna repeat as CIF and State Champs.  But, all 5 teams are gonna contenders for the title, and be top 25 in the nation as well.  I can’t wait for the HS season start.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/high-school/football/news/california-2026-high-school-football-rankings-national/382f0c021afea765972302e7

1. St John Bosco

2. Centennial-Corona

3.  Santa Margarita Catholic

4.  Mater Dei

5. Sierra Canyon

Noticed that Inglewood, D-2, D-3 powerhouse, got bumped up to D-1.  Inglewood has the talent and can give the big boys a tough game…  Cheers

• This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Butkus51.

[Butkus51]

Tuff Schedule, Power Index.

These 3 schools every year schedule Xtremely hard games.  It’s brutal but they are rewarded by Maxpreps for their high Power Index schedule.  Like last year Mater Dei won: St Thomas Aquinas, Fl #7 N, Bishop Gorman #4 N,  Kahuku #1 Hi, but had 3 Trinity league losses (all very close to national top 10 teams) and ended up #9 in da nation.  Shaka to Maxpreps for recognizing MD’s hard schedule.  I commend how Maxprep rank teams.

Check this out.

Mater Dei, once again has scheduled 10 hard regular season games: Bishop Gorman, #5 N, #1 Nv, American Fork #1 Utah, Orem #3 Utah, Valor Christian, #1 Colorado,  Centennial-Corona #2 Calif and 5 Trinity league games (the tuffest league in the nation).  No one can say MD ducks teams, they play the best teams in the nation.  Impressive record, MD is undefeated in every interstate games.  But, this will be MD’s weakest team.

St John Bosco: Bishop Gorman, #5 N, #1 Nv, Roman Catholic, Pa, #59, Pittsburg, #2 N CIF, Kahuku #1 Hawaii, St Louis #2 Hawaii and then 5 Trinity league games.  Not as hard as Mater Dei, but no pancakes either, all hard games.  SJB is ranked #1 Calif team.

St Francis, Baltimore, Maryland.  Every year they schedule & play 10 tuff games, all Top 30 teams in nation.  They won the National Crown last year.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Butkus51.

[Butkus51]

8-5-26

MaxPreps pre-season Top 25 rankings.

Calif. = 5 teams, #1, #6, #8, #9, #17

Florida & Georgia = 4 teams, Texas = 2 teams.  How can anyone say Calif does not play good FB and lack top talent…  Cheers

https://www.maxpreps.com/football/rankings/1/

[Butkus51]

Bruddah 909,  See all dat I’ve posted so far for the 2026 season.  Yes SJB is gonna be very good, but taking the #1 spot or the SS CIF D-1 crown is gonna be very tuff.  These 5 schools will duke it out.  All 5 teams are in Maxpreps Top 25, Shaka.  SJB #1 nation.  No one will dominate the SS CIF in 2026.  SJB will have a team full of seniors & juniors (experience) and top talent on O & especially on D.  Junior QB Malu one of the SS CIF top QB’s should have an Xlent season.  He will have A+ OL, B+ Wr’s & TE, A Rb’s.  But, I think SMC may just repeat as champs, they are loaded too.  Dang, Sierra Canyon has a talented team as well.  Their D, with transfer 5* DL Fakatau is gonna be scary.  Shoot, Centennial with some top transfers could win it all.  Pull up the chair, get the beers chilled & pupu’s ready for Friday Night FB, Shaka.

1. St John Bosco

2. Centennial-Corona

3.  Santa Margarita Catholic

4.  Mater Dei

5. Sierra Canyon

• This reply was modified 4 days, 23 hours ago by Butkus51.
• This reply was modified 4 days, 21 hours ago by Butkus51.

[the909]

Thanks, yes the Trinity league is the powerhouse for sure. Fifth best team may very well be top 10-15 in country lol. Bosco’s QB is young, it will be interesting to see how he develops. Now without the stud RB that might be hard to replace and get the running game going again. He’s got a lit of pressure on him for sure.

[Java]

Surrounding me

lime it does you’d think I’d go to some games.  Serra is around the corner.  Capo valley too. Mission Viejo is by my fish store.  San Clemente right by the doctors gay Michael’s.   RSM isn’t far. My kid got married at the country club.

Orange Lutheran is on the way. Just up the 5.  All so close.  Not going to Bosco or Santa Ana.  Don’t want get shot   Glad no one is calling Orange Lutheran crean.  Didn’t like it when I saw it on the building.  F them.  Put the name on the stadium. Not the whole dang school

• This reply was modified 4 days, 7 hours ago by Java.

[Butkus51]

Bruddah Java, no need see games in da live, I get to watch multiple games on TV and computer.

Spectrum. Subscription needed.

NFHS.  Subscription needed.

ESPN.  Subscription needed. Only the big games.

YouTube.  Free

[the909]

I cut the cable TV cord couple years back but man these subscriptions were too much. I cut those out too and only have $16 a month for ad free youtube. Somehow, I’m still surviving and don’t really miss it. If I want to watch an SC game, there are a couple of decent non malware sites. Although they seem to switch every year, but stepson hooks me up with the good ones.

[Butkus51]

Like last year, 2025 none of the top D-1 teams were undefeated.  No team dominated; like previous Mater Dei and SJB teams.  Again, I do not see any of these teams go undefeated.  SS CIF D-1 is tuff and very hard winning every game; plus our teams play top interstate HS teams as well…  Cheers

[Butkus51]

8-21-26

1.  Big game tonight, #1 SJB vs #2 Bishop Gorman.  Will watch it tonight.

Other top games tonight.

2.  Mater Dei vs American Fork, Utah.  Will watch it tonight.

3.  OLu vs Central Miami, Fl

4.  Mission Veijo vs Chaparral, Temecula (QB Dane Weber).  Will watch da game.

5.  Sierra Canyon vs J. Serra Catholic, San Juan Capistrano

[Butkus51]

8-21-26

I will write/review more in detail later, game stats are hard to find, must do mucho searching.  Driving into LA to do things and than go over our daughters place.

1.  #1 N SJB (L) vs #2 N Bishop Gorman at BG, Las Vegas. 28-38.  SJB has problems on O and D.  BG at one time lead 28-0, but SJB scored 28 pts to tie da game with 7 minutes left in 4th Qt.

2.  #9 N, #4 St-Ca, Mater Dei (W) vs #6 St-Ut, American Fork, Utah, at MD home game. 31-11  MD beat one of Utah’s top teams.  MD looked good.

3.  #62 N, #9 St-Ca, OLu (L) vs #34 N, #6 St-Fl, Central Miami, Fl at CM home, Miami, 22-23, heart break loss to a top Florida team.

4.  #7 St-Ca, Mission Viejo vs #24 St, Ca, Chaparral, Temecula (QB Dane Weber).  55-17.  MV spanked Chaparral.

5.  #16 N, #5 St-Ca, Sierra Canyon (W) vs #28 St-Ca, J. Serra Catholic, San Juan Capistrano, 42-21. Big game and win by SC.

6.  #6 N, #2 St-Ca, Santa Margarita Catholic (W) vs 16 St-Fl, Jones, Orlando, Fl, home team. 27-0.  SMC blank a very good Florida team at their home stadium.

• This reply was modified 1 day, 9 hours ago by Butkus51.

[Butkus51]

8-22-26

Here’s a little more recap on these 6 FB games.  Game and individual stats were scarce and hard to find.  Many times HS stats do not get recorded for 5 to 6 days after the game ended.  It takes an AC from each school to post the stats at Maxpreps, honor system.  Yeah, posting stats are a big job.

1.  #1 N, St John Bosco (L) vs #2 N, Bishop Gorman at BG, Las Vegas. 28-38.  SJB has problems on O and D.  BG lead 21-0 after 1st half.  But, SJB scored 28 unanswered pts = 21-28.  Then BG scores a TD making it 28-28.  With 7 mins left, BG scores on a pass play which SJB botched the coverage and later on kicked a FG winning the game 38-28.  BG is 3-0 vs SJB, SJB can’t beat them.

Problem, SJB only had 35 T yds, 0 pts in the 1st half and allowing BG 21 pts.  They stunk up the place; they looked flat.  BG noticed it and stepped on the gas pedal.  2nd half, SJB got their sheet together, but it was little too late.  SJB played a horrible 1st half.  And, I do not think BG is dat special.  RB Maliq Allen did not transferred out as reported, good for SJB. QB Malu had a below avg game,  LB Poyer had an average game.  OL, Mueller was a force, hope we get da kid.  SJB should drop to #10?

2.  #9 N, #4 St-Ca, Mater Dei (W) vs #6 St-Ut, American Fork, Utah, at MD home game. 31-11  MD beat one of Utah’s top teams.  MD looked good and really dominated AF.  Scores are deceiving, the true score should have been 41-3.  MD in the RZ, on the 1 yd line RB fumbled (dat’s 7 pts).  AF on the 30 yd line, with 3rd and 15 yds, pass incomplete but MD was flagged for pass interference = 1st down.  AF scores TD in 3 plays (MD gifted 7 pts to AF).  MD had an easy FG, but another 15 yd penalty moved them into a long FG, which their K missed (dat another 3 pts).

MD rotated 2 QB’s, Poole and Sekona, dat kinda worked out OK.  But, both QB’s have only average passing skills (6.5 or B ratings).  But, MD Run game did well, over 200+ yds.  RB’s Asir Nembhard and Mark Allen were sensational, great one/two punch.  MD’s OL are huge, avg 6-5 and 324 lbs; they pushed around AF all night.  MD is a force once again; they were physical, mean, gang tackled, played fast and Xlent team speed.  AF has a top O, but MD neutralized them.  Dam, USC should look at MD’s D tape and learn how to play D.  Look out for MD dis season.  MD will play BG and after seeing both teams, I think MD wins da game.  MD is 5-0 vs BG, BG can’t beat MD.  Wr Gavin Honore was reported dis summer transferring to Bishop Gorman, well he played last night for MD (so the trans did not take place).

PS. Once again penalties and TO are hurting MD’s play.  The must clean dis up, or it’s gonna bite them in the O’kole in a tight, close game.  MD has always been an aggressive, very physical FB team; I’m sure the Ref’s watch them closely and will throw the yellow flag on them.

3.  #62 N, #9 St-Ca, OLu (L) vs #34 N, #6 St-Fl, Central Miami, Fl at CM home, Miami, 22-23, heart break loss to a top Florida team.

4.  #7 St-Ca, Mission Viejo (W) vs #24 St, Ca, Chaparral, Temecula (QB Dane Weber).  55-17.  MV spanked Chaparral.  But, 4* QB, Dane Weber did not play, surgery on injured throwing hand (thumb), in a cast.  Not good for DW, he will be out most the 2026 season, if not the whole season.

5.  #16 N, #5 St-Ca, Sierra Canyon, Chatsworth, SF Valley (W) vs #28 St-Ca, J. Serra Catholic, San Juan Capistrano, 42-21. Big game and win by SC.  Look out for Sierra Canyon.

6.  #6 N, #2 St-Ca, Santa Margarita Catholic (W) vs #16 St-Fl, Jones HS, Orlando, Fl, home team. 27-0.  SMC, road game blank a very good Florida team at their stadium.  SMC is gonna be a force once again, may take the SS CIF, D-1 crown, repeat champs.  Carson’s son, Fletch Palmer is QB1, played well, 21/31, 242 yds, 2 TD’s.  It was reported dis summer dat QB Koa Smith Mayall, J. Serra Catholic transferred to SMC, dat did not happen.  KS Mayall instead is at Oceanside HS, (San Diego CIF).

• This reply was modified 6 hours, 47 minutes ago by Butkus51.
• This reply was modified 6 hours, 31 minutes ago by Butkus51.
• This reply was modified 5 hours, 9 minutes ago by Butkus51.

[Java]

Nice write up Butkus.  With all the talent md lost I’m surprised to see them come together like this. Good for coach Lara.  I’m not his biggest fan but here’s hoping this team surprises.   Bosco lost a close road to a top team.  Plenty of time to re establish their cred in their very tough league.

enjoyed reading your impressions

[Butkus51]

Mater Dei (W) vs American Fork, Utah, since I could not find game stats.  I’m gonna guesstimate the game stats going from memory.  As you can see from my est stats how MD dominated the game.  MD stuff AF RB’s, most of their rushing yds came from their QB scrambling after the pocket broke down… Cheers

Mater Dei.  Passing 195 yds, 2 Td’s and Rushing 240 yds, 2 Td’s = 435 T yds

American Fork.  Passing 125 yds, 1 Td and Rushing 65 yds = 190 T yds

[Author]

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