Nation's No. 1 team in Nation's Capital

Two-time High School Football America “mythical” champ Mater Dei (California) is getting ready for a big game on national television tonight against St. John’s College High School (Washington, DC), but the cross-country trip isn’t just about football.

When I spoke with Monarch head coach Bruce Rollinson in July on our podcast, he said he was excited to show his kids our nation’s capital. If you look at the teams’s Twitter account, you can see that our No. 1 team is doing more than practicing for the game that will be on ESPNU.

Related: High School Football America 100

?The White House pic.twitter.com/qBOr8x5xHR
— Mater Dei Football (@MDFootball) September 27, 2019

First stop as a team is Arlington National Cemetery. Powerful experience. #monarchs pic.twitter.com/rbMgkXCGEy
— Mater Dei Football (@MDFootball) September 25, 2019

Yesterday at Arlington, Senior LB Dean Neeley was able to visit the columbarium where his grandfather, Colonel Harold Neeley of the U.S. Air Force, lays to rest. Very grateful for opportunities like this during our trip. And Dean, you haven’t changed much in the last 8 years! pic.twitter.com/T17pMBpmno
— Mater Dei Football (@MDFootball) September 26, 2019

A very humbling afternoon spent together at Arlington National Cemetery honoring hundreds of thousands American men and women who gave their lives for our great country ?? pic.twitter.com/gNajIckuQo
— Mater Dei Football (@MDFootball) September 25, 2019

The #Monarchs have arrived at the U.S. Capitol for a private tour. Looking pretty sharp, gentlemen! ? pic.twitter.com/AxTMSL06MM
— Mater Dei Football (@MDFootball) September 26, 2019

Incredible to hear from U.S. Representative Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio. Representative Gonzalez played college ball at Ohio State before moving on to the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. pic.twitter.com/cOEEwK48T9
— Mater Dei Football (@MDFootball) September 26, 2019

The U.S. Capitol is home to the legislative branch of our government and the greatest example of democracy in the world. Today, the #Monarchs were fortunate enough to have a private tour with Congressman Steve Womack and his incredible staff. pic.twitter.com/tpOb62VNF4
— Mater Dei Football (@MDFootball) September 26, 2019