Mater Dei High School, located in Santa Ana, California, has a rich and successful history in high school football. The school’s football program has been highly regarded and has produced numerous talented players and achieved considerable success over the years. Here is an overview of Mater Dei High School’s football history:
Early Years:
Mater Dei High School was established in 1950, and its football program quickly gained recognition. The team had some success in its early years, but it was in the 1960s that Mater Dei started to establish itself as a powerhouse in high school football.
Dominant Era under Coach Rollinson:
In 1989, Bruce Rollinson took over as head coach of the Mater Dei football team and has remained in that position since then. Under his leadership, Mater Dei experienced its most successful period.
During the 1990s, Mater Dei won several CIF Southern Section championships, including titles in 1994, 1996, 1998, and 1999. The team achieved national prominence during this time, consistently ranking among the top high school football programs in the country.
Recent Success:
In recent years, Mater Dei’s football program has continued its winning tradition. The team has won multiple CIF Southern Section championships, including titles in 2010, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. These victories have solidified Mater Dei’s status as one of the top high school football programs in California and the nation.
National Championships:
Mater Dei has been crowned national champions on multiple occasions. In 2017, the team won the national title, finishing the season undefeated. In 2018, Mater Dei captured another national championship, earning recognition as one of the best high school football teams in the country.
Notable Players:
Mater Dei High School has produced numerous notable football players who have gone on to successful careers in college and professional football. Some of the most prominent players include:
Matt Leinart: Leinart was a star quarterback at Mater Dei and later played for the University of Southern California (USC), where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2004. He went on to have a successful NFL career.
Colt Brennan: Brennan was another successful quarterback at Mater Dei. He played college football at the University of Hawaii, where he set numerous records and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Matt Barkley: Barkley, a highly recruited quarterback, had a successful career at Mater Dei and went on to play for USC. He later played in the NFL for several teams.
Khaled Holmes: Holmes was a standout offensive lineman at Mater Dei and went on to play college football at USC. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
These are just a few examples of the many talented players who have come through Mater Dei High School’s football program.
Mater Dei High School’s football history is characterized by a tradition of excellence, producing top-tier talent, and achieving remarkable success on the field. The program’s commitment to developing skilled athletes and maintaining a winning culture has solidified its reputation as one of the most respected high school football programs in the United States.
