Santa Ana, CA
Friday night brought together two undefeated programs from opposite sides of the country. With what started as a strong start for the Valor Christian Eagles, ended up being the Mater Dei Monarchs who remained standing. Mater Dei entered the matchup at 2–0, welcoming Colorado powerhouse Valor Christian for one of the early season's most anticipated interstate showdowns. The Eagles arrived with the same perfect record and plenty of momentum of their own, having scored 84 points through their first two games.
For a quarter, Valor Christian looked ready to make its trip west a memorable one. The Eagles struck first, marching 80 yards on a 13-play opening drive that ended with a six-yard touchdown pass from Junior qB, Dylan Huard, to give Valor a 7–0 advantage. Mater Dei answered with a 24-yard field goal from Junior Kicker, Jerry Shifman, but the Monarchs found themselves trailing 7–3 after the opening quarter.
Then the game began to change. Mater Dei's offense settled in during the second quarter, and the Monarchs finally found the end zone when Senior Qb, Cameron Pooley, connected with Senior WR, Gavin Honore, for a 16-yard touchdown. Later in the quarter, Mater Dei added another score when Sophomore RB, Asir Nembhard, punched in an eight-yard rushing touchdown.
Mater Dei continued to build momentum, scoring twice more before Valor Christian could answer. A five-yard touchdown reception from Sophomore WR, Rakim Guyness, pushed the lead to 24–7, while Junior QB, Russell Sekona, followed with a one-yard rushing touchdown to make it 31–7.
The Eagles managed to respond with a touchdown of their own late in the quarter, but the damage was already done. Mater Dei entered the fourth quarter with control of the game and added another touchdown when Pooley found Honore for a 12-yard score. Valor Christian would score once more late, but the Monarchs had built too large a cushion to surrender.
QB Huard, kept Valor Christian competitive through the air, completing 21 of 34 passes for 202 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Senior WR, Jackson Coleman, led the Eagles with seven catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.
For Mater Dei, Honore emerged as one of the night's biggest difference makers. He hauled in five receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns, including scores in both the second and fourth quarters. Junior QB, Russell Sekona, also made an impact on the ground, rushing 11 times for 86 yards and a touchdown.
The victory moved Mater Dei to 3–0 on the season, while Valor Christian fell to 2–1. Friday nights game was a showcase of Mater Dei's ability to respond. The Monarchs did not have the fast start they wanted. They trailed after the opening quarter and were forced to adjust against an Eagles team that arrived in Santa Ana undefeated and confident. once Mater Dei found its rhythm, the game changed quickly Against an undefeated opponent from Colorado and the Monarchs were tested early in the season
Final Score: Mater Dei 38 - Valor Christian 22
For more pictures, head over to our photo gallery.
Pictures taken By: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
