No. 2 Mater Dei (6-2, 3-0) vs. St. John Bosco (7-1, 2-1)

Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Santa Ana Stadium

Outlook: Remember all of the problems that Mater Dei had early in the season?

A lack of a running game, defensive breakdowns, protecting Matt Barkley, all of that seems to be a thing of the past.

Through the first three games, the Monarchs are the only undefeated team in the Trinity League. To stay that way, however, is going to take some more work.

Since the start of league, the Monarch offensive line has been amazing. Jaron Hytche has topped 200-yards rushing twice, Matt Barkley (USC) has completed 72.8 percent of his passes (51 of 70), hasn’t been sacked or thrown any interceptions and opponents have averaged 16.3 points a game. That’s scary.

To remain undefeated, the Monarchs will have to contend with the Braves and multi-dimensional quarterback Keith Price. Price (Washington) is scary good. He has completed 71.1 percent of his passes and has 21 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has rushed for 467 yards and nine touchdowns.

Orange Lutheran had the perfect blueprint in its victory over St. John Bosco on Oct. 24. The Lancers were able to limit Price’s big plays, got some pressure on him and eventually intercepted two of his passes.

Will Mater Dei be able to do that?

Will the Monarch offensive line continue its stellar play and protect Barkley and open up running lanes for Hytche, Jordan Allen and Dylan Price?

MORE OF THE CALHOUN SIX

• Anaheim vs. Western
• Esperanza vs. Los Alamitos
• Fullerton vs. La Habra
• Fountain Valley vs. Edison
• Mission Viejo vs. Dana Hills

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.