Ballout's Top 25 California Highschool Football Teams

In the December 14, 2024, CIF Open Division State Championship, the mighty Mater Dei Monarchs dominated De La Salle with a 37–15 victory. This win marked Mater Dei’s second consecutive Open Division title and fifth overall in program history  .

Mater Dei, a national powerhouse with eight total national championships (including recent titles in 2023 and 2024), reaffirmed their status at the top of California high school football  . De La Salle, meanwhile, had built a legendary legacy marked by a 151‑game winning streak from 1992–2004 and multiple state crowns under legendary coach Bob Ladouceur  .In the December 14, 2024, CIF Open Division State Championship, the mighty Mater Dei Monarchs dominated De La Salle with a 37–15 victory. This win marked Mater Dei’s second consecutive Open Division title and fifth overall in program history  .

While Pittsburg High School did not win the statewide final in 2024, they earned regional prominence by defeating Folsom 28–27 in THEIR CIF Northern California regional championship game, which advanced them to state‑level contention  .

Notably, Pittsburg’s football legacy includes a historic 1991 victory led by Regan Upshaw that ended De La Salle’s unbeaten Northern California dominance — a pivotal upset that preceded De La Salle’s 151‑game win streak  .While Pittsburg High School did not reach the statewide final in 2024, they earned regional prominence by defeating Folsom 28–27 in THEIR CIF Northern California regional championship game, which advanced them to state‑level contention  .

Central High School (Fresno) recently captured the CIF Central Section football title in 2024 and was runner‑up in previous years, building momentum within the state after a perfect 15–0 season that earned them the 2023 CIF State Division I‑AA championship  .

High-Stakes Rivalries Mater Dei vs. De La Salle remains one of the top matchups in the nation. Pittsburg and Central bring fresh NorCal and Central Section angles.

More programs like Pittsburg and Central are closing the gap with traditional powerhouses, elevating overall competition.

Mater Dei and De La Salle’s recruiting and national rankings attract elite prospects and spotlight games.

This upcoming season holds great promise. Mater Dei seeks dynasty, De La Salle pursues redemption, Pittsburg chases a breakout run, and Central aims to solidify its rise. Fans across California—from the Trinity League to Fresno County—should brace for a season full of clutch finishes, rising stars, and ambition at every level.