The Brave News

by Diego Santizo, Sports Editor

After a statement win over Sierra Canyon last Saturday, St. John Bosco looks to make it two in a row as they take on Santa Margarita this Saturday in Orange County.

It had been 455 days since defending MaxPreps National Champion St. John Bosco took the field in a high school football game that counted. It proved to not be a problem at all as the Braves cruised to a 42-21 win Saturday night over Sierra Canyon to begin the 2021 spring season. 

Bosco sophomore Pierce Clarkson and junior Katin Houser were the ones responsible for filling the void DJ Uiagalelei left under center and they both did a great job alternating possessions. Replacing DJ Uiagalelei at quarterback was never going to be an easy job, but both showed why FBS offers are starting to pile up. 

“We’re going to see some very good quarterback play,” St. John Bosco coach Jason Negro said.

The second half would prove to be a stroll as St. John Bosco dominated the second half thanks to the help of running back Rayshon Luke as he rushed for a 67-yard score on the opening possession. Setting up the play was a connection between Clarkson and sophomore standout Matayo Uiagalelei came through clutch on a third-down conversion. DJ’s younger brother stood out on both sides of the ball and showed why he’s the fifth-rated recruit in California from the Class of 2023. 

Jason Negro’s squad dominated in the trenches as four-star junior Earnest Greene, USC signee Maximus Gibbs and senior Edward Riley created huge holes for the running game while also allowing Houser and Clarkson plenty of time in the pocket. St. John Bosco now heads into its five-game Trinity League schedule starting with Santa Margarita. 

The Eagles will be led under center by senior Colt Fulton who already has one year of trinity league experience as the Santa Margarita quarterback. Fulton threw five touchdown passes to five different receivers in the Eagles’ 54-16 win over Mayfair last week. The Eagles are currently under first-year coach Anthony Rouzier and are improved from last season when they finished 3-8 overall and 0-5 in the Trinity League. The game is set to take place at the Santa Ana Bowl with kickoff slated for 7:00 PM PT with Fox Sports West Prep Zone set to have coverage of the game.

The Braves will be playing at Mater Dei’s home turf as Servite and Orange Lutheran will battle in Bosco’s Panish Family Stadium in Bellflower. After the dust has settled in Santa Ana, one team will remain undefeated while one will be at a .500 record, with neither team being fond of the idea of heading back home with a loss already on their record so early in the short season.