Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
The Mater Dei-St. John Bosco football showdown on Friday features a new wrinkle following the recent arrival of a touted freshman at the Bellflower school.
Wide receiver/defensive end Kuika Moaalii (6-4, 218) has transferred to St. John Bosco from Bishop Montgomery, St. John Bosco athletic director Vince Brown confirmed Tuesday.
St. John Bosco (9-0, 4-0), No. 1 in the multiple national rankings, plays host to rival Mater Dei (6-2, 3-1) on Friday seeking to claim the outright Trinity League title. Mater Dei is No. 11 in the nation, according to HSratings.
Last week, Moaalii had two receptions for 38 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown, in a 42-0 victory against Servite.
He was considered one of the best freshman in the region entering Bishop Montgomery this fall after playing for the Buckeyes.
The CIF-SS lists Moaalii “eligible in all sports all levels” with an approval date of Oct. 14.
Earlier this fall, Bishop Montgomery encountered numerous problems and canceled its football season after playing one game.
The Southern Section, after an investigation, stated that “multiple students transferred to Bishop Montgomery High School to play varsity football for the 2025-26 school year in violation of the CIF bylaws.”
Several Bishop Montgomery students were declared ineligible “in all sports at Bishop Montgomery High School or any CIF high school until September 5, 2027”, according to the section website for transfers.
Moaalii was not among the students ruled ineligible.
Last month, Moaalii announced on social media that he had been offered by Oregon. In June, he shared that UCLA offered.
Last week, recruiting analyst Greg Biggins of 247Sports called Moaalii’s arrival a “huge late addition” for St. John Bosco.
“Moaalii was the best incoming freshman I saw all spring/summer,” Biggins wrote on X on Oct. 25. “Legit national recruit at WR, safety or linebacker, freakish potential.”
Huge late addition for the Braves, ’29 ATH Kuika Moaalii was the best incoming freshman I saw all spring/summer, legit national recruit at WR, safety or linebacker, freakish potential https://t.co/kzsJqKELSB
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) October 25, 2025