UPDATE: The highly anticipated Southland high school football season is officially underway this weekend with thrilling Week 0 matchups. Fans are eager to see if any team can dethrone the dominant forces of Mater Dei and St. John Bosco in the Southern Section Division 1 finals, a rivalry that has defined the league since 2016.
With both teams boasting imposing rosters, the question remains: could luck play a role in breaking their reign? The Monarchs and Braves have clashed in the finals every year but one since 2016, when Servite shocked St. John Bosco in the semifinals. Mark your calendars for a showdown on October 31, when they meet again in a regular-season finale that promises fireworks.
In a seismic shift, the City Section grapples with the fallout of Narbonne’s collapse due to rules violations. The stage is set for the Birmingham Patriots to reclaim dominance in the City Section Open Division, a title they lost under controversial circumstances. With a new landscape, expect fierce competition from Carson, San Pedro, and Palisades as they vie for the championship.
The strength of this season lies in the defensive line. A crop of elite players, including Mater Dei’s Tomuhini Topui and Gardena Serra’s Khary Wilder, is set to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Quarterbacks will need to come prepared for a barrage of sacks and forced fumbles.
Several teams are on the rise, with Compton eager to rebound from a disappointing 3-7 season. The new campus and stadium are fueling optimism. Meanwhile, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame has welcomed significant transfers, positioning them as contenders in the Mission League.
Expect fireworks from Agoura as quarterback Gavin Gray returns from injury, and Servite unleashes its track stars on the gridiron. Cathedral is also in the mix as quarterback Jaden Jefferson gains support from a bolstered offensive line.
However, teams must address significant player departures. Newbury Park is on the lookout for a new No. 1 receiver following the graduation of Shane Rosenthal. Mater Dei is testing out running back options to fill the void left by Jordon Davison, now at Oregon. Sierra Canyon faces a crucial decision at quarterback with three contenders vying for the position.
Coaching changes add another layer of intrigue. Former Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer now leads Santa Margarita, while Narbonne’s new coach Doug Bledsoe faces immense pressure with a postseason ban looming. Rick Clausen takes over at Westlake, hoping to turn around last season’s 0-10 record.
Freshman talent is also making waves, with names like Thaddeus Breaux of Hamilton and Ezrah Brown of Orange Lutheran set to impact their teams immediately.
Key games to watch include Mission Viejo vs. Santa Margarita on Friday and Mater Dei at Corona Centennial on Sept. 12. Don’t miss the highly anticipated clash between Mater Dei and St. John Bosco on October 31.
As new stadiums rise across the region, fans have exciting venues to explore, including the new facilities at Garfield, Roosevelt, and Hamilton.
The 2025 season promises to be one for the ages, filled with intense rivalries, emerging talent, and unexpected twists. Stay tuned for all the updates as the action unfolds!