American Fork vs. Mater Dei: How to watch the high school football clash
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One of the best high school football programs hits the field for the first time in the 2026 season today.
No. 6 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) plays host to American Fork (UT) in a national headliner game on Friday, Aug. 21.
The Monarchs finished with a rare three-loss season in 2025 after playing one of the most difficult schedules in the nation. They were knocked out of the California Open Division State Championship by Corona Centennial, which defeated them 28–27. Mater Dei had won the 2023 and 2024 state titles.
Meanwhile, the Cavemen are looking to improve off a 7-5 2025 season. They opened the season at 5-0, but lost five of their last seven games.
Here's everything you need to know about both teams and how you'll be able to watch the showdown from home:
Watch American Fork vs. Mater Dei
When is American Fork vs. Mater Dei high school football game?
The California-Utah high school football clash kicks off on Friday, August 21, 2026.
What time does American Fork vs. Mater Dei high school football game start?
The game is slated to begin at 7 p.m. PT.
Watch American Fork vs. Mater Dei high school football game live
Mater Dei and American Fork fans can watch the game live on the NFHS Network.
Mater Dei football: What to know
- Mater Dei graduated QB Ryan Hopkins, receivers Chris Henry Jr. and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, RB Justin Lewis, TE Mark Bowman and five-star OL Kodi Greene. That means the offense will be a complete rebuild from last season.
- After initially transferring away, Gavin Honore is back at Mater Dei. Honore finished with 23 catches for 368 yards and two touchdowns last season and had 23 receptions for 353 yards and six TDs as a sophomore. He is the lone starting WR for the Monarchs this season. He currently holds offers from Michigan, Colorado, Texas Tech and many others.
- Mater Dei defeated American Fork 50–32 in the only previous matchup between the two programs. Matt Barkley led the Monarchs on the field with 440 yards and five touchdowns on Sept. 14, 2007.
American Fork football: What to know
- The Cavmen opened the 2026 season with a 36-16 win over Pleasant Grove on Aug. 14, despite falling behind 9-0. American Fork finished with three takeaways, including an 80-yard pick-six by senior Noah Behm and a 10-yard fumble recovery off a strip sack by defensive lineman Dallin Afu.
- Following a sluggish start for the offense, sophomore Jake Matsen took over the reins at QB and finished with a strong performance with 161 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American Fork vs. Mater Dei: How to watch the high school football clash
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