Bishop Montgomery Forfeits Football Game To No. 1 Mater Dei Amid Player Ineligibility

Mater Dei, the No. 1 ranked high school football team, will play only nine regular season games again this year after Bishop Montgomery forfeited their scheduled game due to a shortage of eligible and healthy players. Bishop Montgomery has faced multiple issues, including having over 20 transfers ruled ineligible for falsifying information and suspensions following a bench-clearing altercation in a recent game against St. Louis of Hawaii. The forfeit gives Mater Dei a 2-0 start to the season without playing the game, following their season-opening 26-23 victory over Florida's St. Thomas Aquinas. Bishop Montgomery's struggles have forced them to field freshmen and contend with ongoing eligibility concerns, which contributed to their decision to forfeit the game originally scheduled for August 29 at Santa Ana Stadium. Mater Dei will continue its season with upcoming games against Kahuku of Hawaii and other national contenders, aiming to maintain their dominant position despite a shorter schedule. Both schools are dealing with significant challenges, but Mater Dei remains focused on its goal of another championship season.