California Open Division state championship: How to watch No. 8 Santa Margarita Catholic vs. No. 17 De La Salle

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) state championships final three high school football games of the 2025 season take place with one in particular catching everyone’s eyes. The Open Division state championship game between No. 8 Santa Margarita Catholic (10-3) taking on No. 17 De La Salle (12-0) at Saddlebrook College tonight. With both teams being nationally ranked, implications towards the final couple sets of rankings are massive. We preview tonight’s game between the Eagles and the Spartans in Mission Viejo.

How to Watch Santa Margarita Catholic vs. De La Salle in California Open Division state championship game

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
Time: 11 p.m. ET
Location: Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif.
TV Channel: NFHS Network

Santa Margarita Catholic Players to Watch

QB Trace Johnson: The Tulane signee has settled in nicely behind center for Carson Palmer and now heads into his second championship game as a high school quarterback, after leading the team to the CIF Southern Section title. Johnson has completed 196 of 310 passes for 2,528 yards, 18 touchdowns and only five picks.

WR Trent Mosley: Between the two teams, Mosley is certainly a player that can be moved all over the field considered one of the most versatile of anyone offensively. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound USC signee has totaled 928 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns.

S Logan Hirou: The UCLA signee looks to lead a Santa Margarita defensive unit that will look to slow down a De La Salle offense that’s averaging 39.2 points per game. Hirou leads the way on the back end with 66 tackles and has picked off two passes.

LB Leki Holani: Setting the tone in the middle of the defensive front seven for Santa Margarita Catholic is the senior 6-foot, 223-pound middle linebacker. Holani this California high school football season has tallied a team-high 98 tackles, 14 for loss and 4.5 sacks.

De La Salle Players to Watch

RB Duece Jones-Drew: The junior running back is one of the workhorses out of the backfield for the unbeaten Spartans. Jones-Drew this season has carried the rock 83 times for 463 yards and scored seven touchdowns.

ATH Jaden Jefferson: Jefferson, a North Carolina signee, has played a major role on both sides of the ball for De La Salle. The two-way star has rushed for over 1,000 yards on offense and defensively has made 19 tackles.

DL Wyatt Ferguson: The senior defensive lineman is a disruptor up front for the Spartans as this California high school football season, Ferguson has totaled 39 tackles, 15.5 for loss and 8.0 sacks.

QB Brayden Knight: The dual-threat quarterback will be expected to make plays with his arm and legs against one of the best defensive units in the country. Knight has compiled nearly 1,500 all-purpose yards and 21 total touchdowns.

Where to Watch the California Open Division state championship on livestream:

You can watch the Santa Margarita Catholic Eagles take on the De La Salle Spartans starting at 11 p.m. ET on NFHS Network.

How to Follow California High School Football

For California high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Golden State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the state of California.