Fans of California high school football won't have to wait long for the game of the week to kick off as two programs in the latest USA TODAY Sports Super 25 rankings kick off their highly anticipated showdown Thursday night instead of Friday.
No. 7 Centennial returns to the field after a week off for a massive showdown on the road with No. 14 Mater Dei on Sept. 10.
A rematch of two games the Huskies won last year, will Centennial bounce back from its Week 2 loss to Santa Margarita (CA) or will the Monarchs remain unbeaten and avenge last year's losses?
If you're not able to make it to Santa Ana on Thursday night, here's everything you need to know about both teams and how you'll be able to watch the showdown from home.
Watch Centennial vs. Mater
Dei on live NFHS Network
When is Centennial vs. Mater Dei high school football game?
The Golden State high school football clash kicks off on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
What time does Centennial vs. Mater Dei high school football game start?
The game is slated to begin at 7 p.m. PST.
Watch Centennial vs. Mater Dei high school football game live
Centennial and Mater Dei fans can watch the game live on the NFHS Network.
Centennial football: What to know
- Mater Dei may lead the all-time series between the teams, but Centennial got the best of them not once but twice in 2025. The Huskies won the regular season meeting 43-36 and then beat them again in the postseason, 28-27.
- Getting the ball to USC four-star wide receiver commit Quentin Hale will be key for the Huskies. He's totaled 256 yards and three touchdowns this season, scoring in their first two games.
- Hawaii quarterback commit Jaden Jefferson is the engine that gets the Huskies offense going. A dual threat, he's accounted for 618 yards and six touchdowns with his arms and legs.
Mater Dei football: What to know
- The Monarchs had some struggles two weeks back against Orem (UT) but rebounded impressively last week with a dominant 38-22 win over Valor Christian (CO).
- Mater Dei has leaned heavily on its ground game as 10 different players have carried the ball for them through three games. Asir Nembhard leads all rushers with 384 yards and six touchdowns on 41 carries.
- This week's stretch of games is the first of three straight for the Monarchs against fellow Super 25 programs. Next week they host No. 9 Bishop Gorman (NV) and Oct. 2 they travel to No. 5 Santa Margarita (CA).
Watch Centennial vs. Mater Dei on live NFHS Network
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Centennial vs. Mater Dei: How to watch California high school football clash
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