The Cathedral Catholic High School varsity football team has been firing on all cylinders through its first half of the season.

CCHS (5-1), currently ranked number 31 in the nation according to MaxPreps, credits its early success to the groundwork put in each week before its games.

“The biggest key to our success has been our preparation,” CCHS offensive lineman Matthew Mihas ‘21 said.

The Dons opened its season with impressive wins against against Saguaro High School and Corona Centennial High School, both programs ranked top 10 in the nation at the time. 

The back-to-back non-conference victories helped push the Dons as high as eighth in the nation according to MaxPreps. 

CCHS didn’t worry about the expectations surrounding the team.

“We try to tune out the rankings and forget all that kind of stuff,” Mihas said. “We just focus on getting better on our craft.”

CCHS’ success didn’t come as a surprise, the Dons believe its coaching staff has properly prepared them with film study, conditioning, and rigorous practices.

“Our coaching staff continually puts us in the best position to win,” CCHS wide receiver Colman Smith ‘21 said. “We have been working and practicing extremely hard for the past nine months and it is paying off.”

Through the Dons first six games, both the passing and rushing game have been clicking, CCHS quarterback D.J. Ralph ‘20 has tallied 684 yards throwing, while Zavien Watson ‘20 and Christian Hall ‘21 have rushed for 803 yards and 300 yards respectively. 

Overall, CCHS has outscored its opponents 235-112.

The Dons begin Western League play as it takes on Point Loma High School at home next Friday, followed by games against James Madison High School and Saint Augustine High School.

CCHS aspires to take the last games as an opportunity to grow as a team.

“Our goals are to win every game from here on out and to continue to improve during  each game,” Mihas said.