Trinity League Preview

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">JSERRA</h2>   JSerra was hit harder by the offseason transfer portal than anyone in this league but the Lions still have some key contributors back this season. [player_tooltip player_id='1284695' first='Koa' last='Smith-Mayall'] will be the starting quarterback after missing the 2024 season with an injury. He looked outstanding at the Battle at the Beach passing tournament. [player_tooltip player_id='1598349' first='Jarod' last='Sersansie'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1611307' first='Clark' last='Cokley'] are two top receivers back for the Lions and the coaching staff is high on young receivers [player_tooltip player_id='1607174' first='Dylan' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='959196' first='Luca' last='Deleon']. William Fredericksen will get the lion's share of carries at running back. Fresno State commit [player_tooltip player_id='918041' first='Joshua' last='Haney'] leads the offensive line along with center Nate Leovao.   Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1841720' first='Rocco' last='Tompkins'] leads the defense and has the talent to be among the league leaders in tackles this season. [player_tooltip player_id='1619039' first='Dylan' last='Fenn'] is another linebacker to watch with Garrett Dudenhoeffer leading the defensive front. [player_tooltip player_id='1623100' first='Grayson' last='Matvay'] and Garrison Bolen are two other players to watch on the defense.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">COACHES CORNER: The <a href="https://twitter.com/JSerra_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JSerra_Football</a> team is back on the gridiron and deep in preseason preparation mode, as the countdown continues to the opening game of the 2025 season next Friday night at Sierra Canyon. After a spirted scrimmage with Long Beach Poly on Thursday afternoon at… <a href="https://t.co/l1iYyHHZ8G">pic.twitter.com/l1iYyHHZ8G</a>— JSerraAthletics (@JSerraAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/JSerraAthletics/status/1956197216726712459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MATER DEI</h2>   Mater Dei is the defending national champion and has the makings to do it again this year. The receiving corps is loaded at the top with Ohio State commits [player_tooltip player_id='401273' first='Kayden' last='Dixon-Wyatt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='284103' first='Chris' last='Henry Jr']., Georgia commit [player_tooltip player_id='1288075' first='Gavin' last='Honore'] and power 4 recruit [player_tooltip player_id='283639' first='Koen' last='Parnell']. USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='401316' first='Mark' last='Bowman'] is the top tight end in the state and the Monarchs added Wisconsin commit [player_tooltip player_id='1284693' first='Ryan' last='Hopkins'] at quarterback to throw them the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='1686102' first='Justin' last='Lewis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='401280' first='Malachi' last='Roby'] transferred in and joined the backfield with [player_tooltip player_id='1543829' first='Kennie' last='Leggett Jr']. [player_tooltip player_id='536980' first='Kodi' last='Greene'] and [player_tooltip player_id='403058' first='Lex' last='Mailangi'] lead the offensive line with [player_tooltip player_id='1698885' first='Joe' last='Hamby'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1197533' first='Adam' last='Foglesong']. If this team has any weakness at all, which is debatable, it would be depth on the offensive line.   The defense returns a lot of talent as well, particularly on the front and in the secondary. USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='283689' first='Tomuhini' last='Topui'] is the top interior defensive lineman in the class and [player_tooltip player_id='1197614' first='Montana' last='Toilolo'] has a lot of upside. [player_tooltip player_id='1197383' first='Mata' last='Uiagalelei'] and [player_tooltip player_id='212233' first='Shaun' last='Scott'] play off the edge with [player_tooltip player_id='1197325' first='Dailon' last='Clanton Jr.'], but Scott and Clanton can also be traditional linebackers. [player_tooltip player_id='401232' first='Cory' last='Lavender'] is the leading senior in the secondary with young stars like [player_tooltip player_id='1197619' first='Aaryn' last='Washington'], [player_tooltip player_id='490799' first='Danny' last='Lang'] and [player_tooltip player_id='438050' first='Ace' last='Leutele']. [player_tooltip player_id='1197606' first='Ezekiel' last='Su'a'] is the leading inside linebacker and the rest of the linebacking crew has some question marks, but there are reports of some freshman competing for playing time.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Media Days 2025 <a href="https://t.co/gl2plSzcvi">pic.twitter.com/gl2plSzcvi</a>— Mater Dei Football (@MDFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MDFootball/status/1952741887116558444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">ORANGE LUTHERAN</h2>   Orange Lutheran has a mix of returners and some new faces after nearly reaching the CIF championship game last season. The two big new additions are Loyola transfers [player_tooltip player_id='780472' first='Sean' last='Morris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='780469' first='Markus' last='Kier']. Morris is one of the top running backs in the class and is committed to Northwestern and Kier is committed to Princeton. Kier joins a receiving corps led by [player_tooltip player_id='1197219' first='Chris' last='Flores'] and [player_tooltip player_id='676963' first='Nico' last='Bland']. Quarterback is a bit of a mystery for the Lancers but I expect freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1506318' first='Ezrah' last='Brown'], brother of former Mater Dei quarterback Elijah Brown to be the starter. Orange Lutheran may have the best tackle duo in the state with Alabama commit Sam Utu and top junior [player_tooltip player_id='1197206' first='Lucas' last='Rhoa']. [player_tooltip player_id='283590' first='Brandon' last='Garcia'] is also a returner on the offensive line but the rest is unproven.   The defense has a young star as well in edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='958763' first='Marcus' last='Fakatou'], who is the top player in the 2028 class according to Prep Redzone. [player_tooltip player_id='780311' first='Auma' last='Jennings'] is a three-year starter on the interior of the defensive line and [player_tooltip player_id='283599' first='Christian' last='Panapa'] will lead the linebacking corps. The secondary is young but has promising talent with sophomore brothers [player_tooltip player_id='1621200' first='Anhor' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1146376' first='King' last='Rich Johnson'] along with [player_tooltip player_id='1717694' first='Chauncey' last='Washington'].   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">[player_tooltip player_id='1197206' first='Lucas' last='Rhoa'] 6‘5“ 300 Orange Lutheran HS, CA just might be the top tackle prospect in California's 2027 class. Has it all, size, strength, footwork, agility, technique and intelligence. Right now a 4*+ rating. versatile can play OT and OG.<a href="https://twitter.com/LucasRhoa75?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LucasRhoa75</a>⁩ extremely athletic. <a href="https://t.co/cz5nnUsabR">pic.twitter.com/cz5nnUsabR</a>— Tom Lemming (@LemmingReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/LemmingReport/status/1926109155548373162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2025</a></blockquote>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">SANTA MARGARITA</h2>   Santa Margarita won the transfer battle this offseason with some key additions including a new high-profile head coach in Carson Palmer. Offensively they added a pair of offensive linemen in Arizona commit [player_tooltip player_id='1182949' first='Niniva' last='Nicholson'] and high-level recruit [player_tooltip player_id='283616' first='Isaia' last='Vandermade']. The rest of line has no returning starters and is the biggest question mark of the team. Another big addition was Tulane commit [player_tooltip player_id='1705993' first='Trace' last='Johnson'] at quarterback, who looked very good at the Battle at the Beach passing tournament. USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='283690' first='Trent' last='Mosley'] and his brother [player_tooltip player_id='958824' first='Grant' last='Mosley'] are the top receivers, but receiver depth is a concern. [player_tooltip player_id='668822' first='Jaion' last='Smith'] is back at running back and is a guy I'm really high on if the line can block for him.   The defense returns nearly everybody from last season. Linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='283606' first='Dash' last='Fifita'] (Arizona) and [player_tooltip player_id='1553136' first='Leki' last='Holani'] (Sacramento State) are big time run stoppers and [player_tooltip player_id='780315' first='Ivrick' last='Carrigan'] can rush the passer off the edge. The secondary is excellent with UCLA commit [player_tooltip player_id='1288067' first='Logan' last='Hirou'] at safety with [player_tooltip player_id='283684' first='Siua' last='Holani']. Cal commit [player_tooltip player_id='283622' first='Jayden' last='Crowder'] and the top class of 2028 defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='977697' first='Ca'ron' last='Williams'] are shut down corners in man coverage. This defense could lead this team to some key wins.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Santa Margarita football ticket info and schedule information. <a href="https://t.co/Wr41t3cjPI">pic.twitter.com/Wr41t3cjPI</a>— SANTA MARGARITA Catholic High School (@SMCHSEagles) <a href="https://twitter.com/SMCHSEagles/status/1957212247362838719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">SERVITE</h2>   The strength of Servite's team is its excellent offensive line which has a mix of young sophomore stars and a returning senior. [player_tooltip player_id='958796' first='Elisha' last='Mueller'] may be the top offensive lineman in California's 2028 class and [player_tooltip player_id='1021360' first='Keiden' last='Lokeni'] and Trey Iosua are other sophomores who are excellent. [player_tooltip player_id='1686164' first='Jaden' last='Rasic'] is an All-League center from last season and [player_tooltip player_id='1674665' first='Drew' last='Fielder'] switched from tight end to tackle and is picking up offers. Nebraska commit [player_tooltip player_id='1183031' first='Luke' last='Sorensen'] is an excellent blocking tight end and will be more involved in the passing game this season. Long Beach Poly transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1698851' first='Benjamin' last='Harris'] is the fastest player in the league and can play running back or receiver. The rest of the receiving corps features guys from Servite's championship track team like [player_tooltip player_id='1695404' first='Kamil' last='Pelovello'], [player_tooltip player_id='1742104' first='Jorden' last='Wells'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1742128' first='Jace' last='Wells']. Servite landed Mission Viejo transfer quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1717982' first='Kalé' last='Murphy'] who throws a good ball. The passing offense needs to improve from last season and the way Murphy plays will be a huge factor in the offense.   Servite's defense returns nine players including five All-League ones. [player_tooltip player_id='1621233' first='Kaleb' last='Aiava'] is one of the best overall class of 2028 players in the class and the linebacking duo of Brando MosQueda and [player_tooltip player_id='1197211' first='Isaiah' last='Leilua'] can stop the run. Savelino Taliauli is a quality defensive end and Weston Ashbrook is a defensive lineman I'm high on. [player_tooltip player_id='1598381' first='Tristin' last='Real'] is a versatile secondary player and Saxon Churchwell has a lot of experience. Servite can win games with its defense and it will be hard to move the ball against them.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The stage is set. The 2025 season is here. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/credo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#credo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gofriars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gofriars</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weareservite?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weareservite</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/servitefootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#servitefootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/9NL3fnpv3S">pic.twitter.com/9NL3fnpv3S</a>— Servite Football (@ServiteFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ServiteFootball/status/1954619930680447425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2025</a></blockquote>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">ST. JOHN BOSCO</h2>   St. John Bosco returns more starters than anyone and should be much-improved from last season. Much like Mater Dei, Bosco has a very deep receiving corps with a ton of talent at the top. Texas A&M commit [player_tooltip player_id='209113' first='Madden' last='Williams'] is among the top receivers in the 2026 class and [player_tooltip player_id='401226' first='Carson' last='Clark'] (Oklahoma) led the team in receiving last year. [player_tooltip player_id='283605' first='Daniel' last='Odom'] is a strong senior receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='1598321' first='Christian' last='Davis'] (Sacramento State) was excellent at the All-22 camp and [player_tooltip player_id='408739' first='Darren' last='Tubbs Jr'] was a top performer at the National Preps Showcase. Those receivers will make it easier for sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='959174' first='Koa' last='Malau'ulu'], who had a strong debut as a freshman last season. [player_tooltip player_id='1396184' first='Maliq' last='Allen'] was a 1,000-yard rusher last season and is back. The offensive line has some key returners like [player_tooltip player_id='1197618' first='Gabriel' last='Villalobos'], [player_tooltip player_id='401300' first='Troy' last='Taavao'], [player_tooltip player_id='283643' first='Maddux' last='Sorenson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='283585' first='Adrian' last='Tavui']. [player_tooltip player_id='465349' first='Kaden' last='Franco'] is another lineman who has length and is a good pass protector.   The Braves return nearly everyone on defense as well. [player_tooltip player_id='780331' first='Laneselota' last='Olive-Enos'] was a top tackler on the defensive line last season which also features [player_tooltip player_id='1197363' first='Richard' last='Orosco'], who was a top performer at the Prep Redzone and All-22 camp, and [player_tooltip player_id='283682' first='Roman' last='Paseka']. Oregon commit [player_tooltip player_id='401241' first='Dutch' last='Horisk'] is one of the top edge rushers in the Section. I talked to coach Jason Negro at the Battle at the Beach and he raved about the linebacking corps of [player_tooltip player_id='1197527' first='Justin' last='Coach'], [player_tooltip player_id='1197526' first='Ethan' last='Coach'], [player_tooltip player_id='1199093' first='Ahmeer' last='Williamson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1598320' first='Matthew' last='Muasau'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1197597' first='Josiah' last='Poyer']. I'm really high on the secondary led by [player_tooltip player_id='800123' first='Isala' last='Wily-Ava'], [player_tooltip player_id='283632' first='Josh' last='Holland'], [player_tooltip player_id='742470' first='Dorian' last='Franklin'] and new Inglewood transfers [player_tooltip player_id='415359' first='Jailen' last='Hill'] and [player_tooltip player_id='819582' first='Jacob' last='Whitehead']. Keep an eye on freshman defensive back Darnell Lacy Jr. as well. This defense is stacked from top to bottom and will be very hard to score against.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The 2025 California Preseason MaxPreps high school football rankings have been released! 🏈🔥 Full top 25⬇️<a href="https://t.co/SM7sLc5dwE">https://t.co/SM7sLc5dwE</a> <a href="https://t.co/RkBE9kAgH4">pic.twitter.com/RkBE9kAgH4</a>— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaxPreps/status/1952448814562062792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a></blockquote>