Quarterback Caleb Sanchez leads St. John Bosco vs. Mater Dei: Inspires team, cultures, student athletes

Flags from the Philippines and El Salvador are waved at Bosco games in honor of the 3-star recruit who makes his first start against the Monarchs in Friday's national showdown

As the team's first-year starting quarterback, senior Caleb Sanchez does much more than lead St. John Bosco offense. 

He's also an inspiration to his parents' native lands of the Philippines and El Salvador. 

The flags of both countries often are waved at the Braves' games, and certainly will be done so Friday when national No. 7 St. John Bosco (6-1) hosts No. 1 Mater Dei (7-0) in one of the most anticipated games of the season. 

Kickoff is 7 p.m. and here's how to watch. 

Sanchez told SBLive Sports reporter Myckena Guerrero (see entire interview above): "I'm so blessed, I'm so grateful to have those two countries supporting me. Obviously my mom is Filipina and dad is Salvadorian and growing up, that is all I was surrounded with. To represent those two cultures is huge and I'm so blessed. and grateful to be doing it." 

Caleb Sanchez (12) during a 20-7 win at St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) on Aug. 26, when he threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns in a nationally-televised game.   / Photo: Matt Christopher

He also represents student athletes everywhere. A straight A student, the strapping 6-foot-3, 220-pound senior somehow finds the time to lead one of the country's top programs. 

His first season as starter has been off the charts, completing a staggering 78 percent of his passes (158 of 204) for 1,856 yards and 17 touchdowns, while playing a national schedule. Though many Pac-12 conference programs have shown interest, Nevada is the only school to offer the 3-star recruit. 

He was pressed into duty the second half against Mater Dei last season in a 17-7 loss at Santa Ana Stadium. In place of concussed starter  Pierce Clarkson (now at Louieville), Sanchez completed 4 of 10 passes for 51 yards and an interception. 

He was in a much tougher spot then compared to being the clear starter on Friday. Despite being on recruiting lists, he waited three years to be the full-time starter, which also speaks to his loyalty. He credits his teammates, the Bosco brotherhood and offensive coordinator Steven Lo for his current success. 

When asked what he's learned through the process, Sanchez told Guerrero: 

"Last year as the backup, it wasn't a huge role for me," he said. "But this year is huge. Being able to rely on my team, the defense, special teams and offense has been huge." ...