Mater Dei vs. Los Alamitos preview, game tracker, updates: Get high school football scores at MaxPreps - CBS Sports

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Los Alamitos has been one of California's top high school football programs over the last three seasons, but the Griffins will face their toughest test in recent memory on Friday against Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.). Both teams are in the top 25 of the MaxPreps national high school football rankings, but the Monarchs hold the top spot in the country, while Los Alamitos is No. 24. Mater Dei is looking to defend its state championship in the CIF Southern Section Football Playoffs, and a win on Friday is all that stands between the Monarchs and another title shot.

Kickoff from the Santa Ana Bowl is set for 10 p.m. ET. Los Alamitos hasn't lost a game against an opponent from California since September of 2021. Find out more about this matchup and follow it at MaxPreps here. 

A part of the CBS Sports family, MaxPreps is America's Source for High School Sports. In partnership with nearly 250,000 varsity coaches in the United States, it strives to cover every team, every game and every player. MaxPreps publishes and preserves athletic accomplishments by recording game-by-game stats and sharing highlights with award-winning photography and video clips. It's a site trusted by millions in prep sports, and it's also a great source to get high school football scores for your area now.

How to track Mater Dei vs. Los Alamitos

• Mater Dei vs. Los Alamitos date: Friday, Nov. 18
• Mater Dei vs. Los Alamitos time: 10 p.m. ET
• Mater Dei vs. Los Alamitos game page: Follow game at MaxPreps

What you need to know about Mater Dei

Mater Dei advanced to the semifinals after a decisive win against JSerra Catholic last week, 54-14. The Monarchs' defensive effort was led by junior safety Jeilani Davis, who came away with two interceptions. Mater Dei's highest-ranked player in the 247Sports 2023 football recruiting rankings, Leviticus Su'a, also had an interception to go with four tackles, including one for a loss.

One of the key matchups to watch in the game will be between the Monarchs' offensive line and the Griffins' defensive front. Los Alamitos has one of the most highly-recruited defensive linemen in the country in 2024 four-star prospect T.A. Cunningham, but Mater Dei has two four-star junior offensive linemen of their own in Brandon Baker and DeAndre Carter. Mater Dei also has two three-star senior offensive linemen, including Oregon commit Lipe Moala. Follow Mater Dei's game here.

What you need to know about Los Alamitos

After finishing the regular season with an emphatic 68-0 win against Fountain Valley on October 27, Los Alamitos won a thrilling game last week against Long Beach Poly, 52-42. Running back Damian Henderson had the game of his life when it mattered most, and ran for 237 yards and four touchdowns in the win. The Griffins' top receiver, Makai Lemon was a key player in the game with 15 receptions and two touchdowns.

Lemon is a four-star athlete committed to play for nearby USC after this season. He'll be joined by quarterback Malachi Nelson, who is a five-star recruit and the No. 3 overall player in the country per 247Sports.com's 2023 football recruiting rankings. Henderson is currently listed as a three-star prospect, and is committed to Colorado State, but if he can take over the game against Mater Dei like he did last week, he could see his stock improve. Follow Los Alamitos' game here.

How to get high school football scores, updates for Mater Dei vs. Los Alamitos

Now that you know what to look for, get ready to keep track of Los Alamitos vs. Mater Dei. Visit MaxPreps now to follow the action, plus get high school scores from around the nation, insider news, and much, much more.