Overview
- Kickoff is 8 p.m. PT Saturday in Mission Viejo, with TV on Spectrum News and a livestream on the NFHS Network.
- Santa Margarita enters 10-3 after outscoring CIF-SS Division 1 playoff foes 94-22 and beating Centennial 42-7, led by USC-bound receiver Trent Mosley’s 293 yards and four TDs and Tulane signee Trace Johnson’s 386 passing yards.
- De La Salle arrives 12-0 in a record 18th state final and second straight Open appearance, featuring a veer rushing attack paced by Jaden Jefferson (1,048 yards), Brady Smith (793) and Duece Jones-Drew.
- The Eagles’ experienced defense allows 12.2 points per game, with linebackers Leki Holani and Dash Fifita leading in tackles, and faces the challenge of defending a scheme it hasn’t seen this season.
- Cal-Hi Sports’ Mark Tennis labels De La Salle improved yet an underdog, and St. John Bosco coach Jason Negro expects a tight game, citing Trinity League battle-testing as an edge.