Friday night, Mater Dei and Centennial of Corona will gather at Santa Ana Stadium for a second consecutive year.
Can this year’s meeting top last year’s?
Anything is possible, but It will be difficult for the teams to upstage last year’s meeting in which the Monarchs outlasted the Huskies, 51-37.
The teams combined for 1,300 yards of total offense. The Huskies pounded the MD defense with a relentless ground attack for 503 rushing yards. The Monarchs laced up their boots, and attacked the Huskies secondary, led by Matt Barkley’s 365 passing yards.
What does this year’s meeting have in store?
The Mater Dei defense will again be put to the task. The Huskies had their quarterback Matt Scott (Arizona), pictured above, and running back Ryan Bass (Arizona State) move to D-1 schools after last season, but stepping in this year has been transfer quarterback Taylor Martinez, who is headed to Nebraska. Martinez’s top target is receiver Ricky Marvray (UCLA). I guess the Huskies didn’t rebuild, they just reloaded. Speed will be a factor.
Can the Huskies slow Matt Barkley?
Mater Dei has somewhat of an advantage by having played two games so far this season. It has allowed the new receivers to get acclimated (somewhat) to the bright lights of playing for Mater Dei (well, at least it did in the Carson game). However, Mater Dei has struggled to establish the running game. Jaron Hytche showed some flashes last week against Cypress, but the Centurions didn’t have anyone as good as Vontaze Burfict (USC).
The Huskies’ defensive strength is their front seven, led by Burfict, defensive tackle William Sutton and defensive end Anthony Whitlow. Mater Dei would love to have junior offensive lineman Chris Ward in the lineup for this game. After last week’s game, Coach Bruce Rollinson said ”we are going to make a late-week evaluation” on Ward’s playing status. Having Ward in the lineup would certainly help the ground game and pass protection.
Friday’s game will definitely be interesting.
wow….this game will feature great prospects, and great coaching on both sides….i believe that Centennials team speed will be the deciding factor in this game….Matt Barkley will have a great game, unfortunately, for Mater Dei their lack of stablishing a running game will hurt them……my prediction is Centennial 35 Mater Dei 14…..
No way Centennial will hold Barkley to 14 points. Even though MD’s receivers are young, they looked really good against Carson.
I predict a close one with MD coming out ahead- MD 35, Centennial 28
Mater dei is a bunch of darshes, corona will win
FRANKLY ,THE FREAK FRYER NEEDS TO TAKE A CHILL PILL,MATER DEI H.S. IS JUST ANOTHER HIGH SCHOOL TRYING TO DO IT`S BEST WITH THERE ATHLETIC PROGRAM,NOT A BUNCH OF gods TRYING TO TURN THE ATHLETES INTO gods.SO MELLOW OUT STEVE THERE ARE OTHER SCHOOLS OUT THERE THAT YOU CAN BRAG ABOUT .
I’m flying down from Concord/Oakland area to see the Mater Dei/ Centennial game, what’s the best way to get a ticket? I’m sure they’re limited and I don’t want to come all that way and get shut out, can you help? 925 683 5103