California has long been a high school football force, and some of the nation’s finest programs call the Golden State home. With a tradition of winning, great coaching, and some of the best players in the nation, these teams have created legacies that have motivated future generations.
A more detailed look follows at the best five California high school football programs, their rich heritage, and unmatched statistics.
Top 5 High School Programs in California Standing at The State’s Best
1. St. John Bosco (Bellflower)—705 Wins
St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower is synonymous with victory. With 705 wins on its record, St. John Bosco has cemented itself as one of the top high school football programs in California and the whole country. The Braves have dominated the years, claiming national and state championships under the guidance of head coach Jason Negro.
The school roster is always brimming with great players, most of whom end up in the NFL. Some recent stars are Jaleel Florence, an Oregonian, and Christian Pierce, a bright star. The success of St. John Bosco is due to its better coaching team, complete training program, and practice of balanced offense and sound defense.
The Braves’ most recent state championship in 2022 depicted their invincible strength in offense and defense, particularly defense, which helped them win against Serra High School for the state championship.
St. John Bosco crowned MaxPreps National Champions for second time since 2019! 🏆👑
✍️: https://t.co/79pZnYZHgE pic.twitter.com/sjXT5h7ztj
— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) December 19, 2022
St. John Bosco is a perennial powerhouse at the national level, always finishing near the top. The program’s ability to attract top recruits, tough practice schedule, and highly competitive league keep the Braves at the top of high school football.
2. Mater Dei (Santa Ana)—665 Wins
Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana is another perennially ranked program in the country. The Monarchs have 665 wins and a decades-long history of success. Mater Dei is known for its explosive offense and disciplined defense and has produced numerous NFL players who have gone on to the league.
These include Heisman winner Matt Leinart, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and quarterback Bryce Young.
Under head coach Bruce Rollinson, who has guided the program for over 30 years, Mater Dei has built one of California’s most highly regarded football programs. The Monarchs have won multiple CIF Southern Section titles and have been ranked No. 1 in the nation for the season on many occasions.
Their strong play in the 2024 season further solidified their position as one of the nation’s best programs.
Mater Dei’s football philosophy is based on speed, quickness, and a high-powered offense with elite quarterbacks and receivers. Their offense is designed to decimate opponents with back-to-back touchdowns and creative playcalling. And yet, their defense is equally robust, and they may be the most balanced team in the state.
With an emphasis on discipline and perfection, Mater Dei is a behemoth on the high school football landscape.
3. De La Salle (Concord) – 594 Wins
The Concord High School De La Salle is the state’s most storied program in California high school football history. The Spartans have 594 wins and are most known for their record 151-game winning streak between 1992 and 2004. Well, that remains one of the longest in high school history.
While that winning streak is far behind them, De La Salle is still one of the state’s top teams and plays as a top program.
What sets De La Salle apart is how the program approaches the game. The team is founded on a strong running game, defense, and team concept. The Spartans have produced some NFL-caliber players in their history, such as former NFL legends Maurice Jones-Drew and Aaron Taylor.
They have dominated games with their high-powered running game. And they can shut down opposing offenses, so they become a tough opponent in every game.
De La Salle’s prowess extends beyond the state of California. They’ve played and defeated many of America’s top-performing high school teams. Their success record, based on discipline and teamwork, continues to make them one of the prominent powers in American high school football.
4. Centennial (Corona)—485 Wins
Centennial High School in Corona is another program that has rapidly emerged as one of the best in recent history. With 485 wins, Centennial is a fixture of Southern California high school football.
The Huskies have emerged as one of the most exciting teams with their high-powered offense. The team’s passing attack, with excellent quarterbacks and skill players, scores big numbers night in and night out.
Under the leadership of head coach Matt Logan, Centennial has had consistent success, including multiple CIF championships and state title game appearances. The program has had some fantastic players, including former USC quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Tyrell Williams.
Centennial’s ability to develop offensive and defensive players has made them a power to be reckoned with in California football.
KEEP READING: How Much Do High School Football Coaches Really Make? Salary Breakdown
In addition to its offense, Centennial’s defense has been strong, and they can step up to the plate when needed. Its strong performances in big games, like against St. John Bosco in 2018, show it can compete with the state’s top teams. Centennial is still a power squad in the Inland Empire and Southern California.
5. Folsom (357 Wins)
While not as rich in history as some of the other squads on this list, Folsom High School has become one of the best in Northern California almost overnight. With 357 wins, the Bulldogs have made themselves a force in recent years due to their high-scoring offense and solid team play.
Folsom’s offense ranks among the state’s best, scoring often and in rapid doses.
Folsom’s rise to the pinnacle was topped off by a state title win in 2019 against Mater Dei, one of the state’s traditional power teams. Under the guidance of quarterback Jake Browning, who ultimately played for Washington, Folsom has been praised for its innovative offense that expands the field and keeps defensive squads off balance.
The Bulldogs have been motivated by their emphasis on developing well-rounded athletes and playing to their strengths through a system.
Folsom’s success grows, and their ability to compete with backwoods powerhouses makes them a team to watch out for in the future. With a potent offense that can score and an increasingly better defense over the years, Folsom is a force to be reckoned with in Northern California. It will be a top contender in the state championships.
The secret to these programs’ continued success is their ability to develop talent, maintain a winning tradition, and compete at the highest possible level.
As California’s top football programs get better and better, rest assured of one thing: high school football in the Golden State is looking bright, and these teams will continue to set the bar higher and higher for excellence in the years to come.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
