In a thrilling season opener, the Santa Ana Mater Dei narrowly defeated the Little Rock Kings with a final score of 30-28. Both teams came out firing, but it was Mater Dei who ultimately held off a late surge from the Kings to secure the victory in Week 1 of the 2026 season. The stakes were high as each team aimed to start the year on a strong note. Leading the charge for Santa Ana was quarterback Cam Ward, who tossed for an impressive 326 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to command the offense. Receiver Matthew Golden was a standout target, racking up 117 receiving yards, making crucial catches that kept drives alive. Keaton Mitchell contributed on the ground with 62 rushing yards, adding balance to the Mater Dei attack. Defensively, Decamerion Richardson led the charge for Santa Ana with four total tackles, helping to keep the Kings' offense in check. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when the Mater Dei defense intercepted a pass from Josiah Trotter, who not only made a significant impact with his interception but also recorded a sack. This pivotal play allowed Santa Ana to retain possession and ultimately seal the game, securing a hard-fought victory.