Mater Dei is set to face off against Mission Viejo this Friday at 7:00 p.m. in what promises to be an exciting clash, building on their recent perfect record of 3-0 against the Diablos. Both teams return refreshed from a week off, eager to continue their successful seasons. The previous matchups have been high-scoring affairs, and fans can expect another thrilling contest as both teams have showcased their offensive firepower in recent games.
Mater Dei enters this matchup riding high after a significant victory against the nationally ranked St. John Bosco, where they triumphed with a score of 36-31. This game marked the Monarchs’ fourth straight win over the Braves, showcasing their dominance in recent years. Quarterback Ryan Hopkins delivered a standout performance in that game, throwing for 295 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for 30 yards. His impressive 14.0 yards per attempt helped him achieve a new career high, demonstrating his growing prominence in the team.
Defensively, Mater Dei was equally formidable, with CJ Lavender Jr. leading the charge by intercepting two passes and contributing seven tackles. Overall, the Monarchs managed to pick off three passes during the game, adding pressure to the Braves’ offensive efforts.
On the other side, Mission Viejo comes off a commanding 76-49 victory over Los Alamitos, solidifying their ability to score at will. The Diablos have become accustomed to dominating their opponents, having won several games by margins greater than 27 points this season. Quarterback Luke Fahey shone in that game, throwing for an astonishing 569 yards and five touchdowns, completing an impressive 77.4% of his passes while also rushing for a touchdown. His performance has propelled him to an average of 310.8 passing yards per game, making him a key player for Mater Dei to monitor.
Mater Dei currently boasts a record of 7-2, while Mission Viejo stands at 9-1. In their last encounter in November 2019, Mater Dei secured a decisive 49-24 victory, establishing a commanding halftime lead of 28-3. The Monarchs hope to replicate that success this Friday, as they look to further bolster their win column.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, fans are eager to see if Mater Dei can maintain its upper hand against Mission Viejo, or if the Diablos will rise to the occasion and break the recent trend. With offensive powerhouse performances on both sides, the outcome remains uncertain, promising to deliver an exciting evening of high school football.