St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (Photo: EC Sabin, St. John Bosco Football)

2. St. John Bosco
Location: Bellflower, Calif.
18-19 Record: 13-1
Final Super 25 Rank: 3

Why them: After dismantling Mater Dei in the regular season last year, St. John Bosco couldn’t hold them off in the Trinity League championship game. If the Braves had done so, there’s a chance they could have ended 2018 at the top of the Super 25.

They have a chance to avenge that this year as ALL-USA Offensive Player of the Year D.J. Uiagalelei returns for his senior season. Running back Keith Savage should have a larger role in the offense with the absence of leading rusher George Holani, and Uiagalelei showed good rapport last year with his likely top receiver in 2019, Oregon commit Kris Hutson. Bosco will also get a better look at Beaux Collins, a current sophomore wide receiver who already has 20 offers.

The offense looks as if it will be stellar, but the bigger question is defense. How will Bosco replace players such as Spencer Lytle (108 tackles, 12 tackles for loss), Cole Aubrey (17.5 sacks) and ALL-USA cornerbacks Chris Steele and Trent McDuffie? That will be a key to whether Bosco can compete for the National Championship.