Mater Dei can’t win a playoff game without Victor Blackwell. Mater Dei’s defense isn’t ready for tough Pac-5 play. There’s no way Mater Dei can score against Long Beach Poly.

Where all all the haters now?

When Monarchs wide receiver Victor Blackwell separated his shoulder last week against Santa Margarita, Mater Dei was a bunch of dead men walking. According to last week’s poll, 71% of voters thought Mater Dei couldn’t advance past the first round without Blackwell. The remaining 29% who believed it to be possible, were proved to be correct.

Prior to facing Mater Dei, Long Beach Poly had held their previous six opponents to only eight points per game. That all changed Friday night, as the Monarchs advanced to the second round by defeating the Jackrabbits, 26-10.

Mater Dei used Poly’s tried-and-true method against them: ground, pound and defend.

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