LAS VEGAS — In a city the place you may make your personal luck or can sink additional into an abyss, Mater Dei Excessive dug deep, wiped away recollections from a loss final week and answered a gut-check name to return away with a 27-24 highway victory over Bishop Gorman on Friday evening. Coach Raul Lara introduced up the phrase “resurrection” throughout a postgame huddle together with his gamers.
The win certainly resurrects Mater Dei’s season. It was doom and gloom one week in the past when the Monarchs fell behind 28-0 to Corona Centennial, then rallied however misplaced 43-36. Seven turnovers left everybody questioning if the Monarchs have been now not a prime staff after being ranked No. 1 within the nation by a number of organizations.
Friday’s efficiency in opposition to an unbeaten Bishop Gorman staff noticed Mater Dei flip to 2 of its preseason All-Individuals on offense, tight finish Mark Bowman and receiver Chris Henry Jr. Bowman had landing catches of 29 and 36 yards. Henry had two landing catches, together with the game-winner with 6:06 left from 37 yards.
Quarterback Ryan Hopkins, bouncing again from turnovers final week, saved firing away in opposition to a robust Bishop Gorman protection, getting the ball to his excellent receivers and never letting penalties or an interception scale back his confidence.
“It’s dealing with adversity,” Hopkins mentioned. “Final week was a tricky one. It is a step ahead. It’s next-play mentality.”
There have been ominous black clouds passing above that allow out a dose of rain greater than three hours earlier than kickoff, however the climate cleared and the Monarchs didn’t should put up with the downpour and lightning delay that St. John Bosco endured in 2014 throughout a 34-31 loss to Bishop Gorman.
It was an entertaining first half that led to a 14-14 tie. Each groups missed scoring alternatives. Mater Dei blocked a Bishop Gorman field-goal try that was returned by Aaryan Washington to the 13-yard line, then needed to accept a 30-yard discipline objective by Jerry Shifman. Bishop Gorman pressured a fumble by Hopkins, and Prince Williams returned it for a landing that was nullified by defensive holding.
Quickly Hopkins related with Henry on a 54-yard cross to the one-yard line within the remaining seconds. However a Mater Dei unlawful process penalty and little time left the Monarchs to accept a 23-yard discipline objective to tie the rating.
Mater Dei (3-1) had zero penalties within the first quarter, a significant enchancment from earlier video games, however the Monarchs went again to creating errors after that. There was an offsides on a fourth-and-short play. There was a five-yard penalty earlier than kicking off the ball. Via all that, the Monarchs persevered.
“Nice recreation,” Lara mentioned. “Two nice groups and nice packages. We knew it was going to be a combat. I’m pleased with my guys.”
Bishop Gorman quarterback Maika Eugenio was efficient shifting within the pocket to get the ball to his prime receivers and handed for 2 touchdowns. Massiah Mingo had receptions of 62 and 38 yards.
Mater Dei hasn’t misplaced a couple of recreation in season since 2014, so the stress was on.
“It’s discovering that chemistry and persevering with to grind,” Lara mentioned. “I feel all of the video games are going to be like this. Everyone seems to be gunning for us.”
Bowman, the USC commit who reclassified from junior to senior to start his school profession subsequent yr, lastly obtained the chance to indicate off his receiving abilities. He got here in with solely seven catches in three video games however was left open a number of instances, and Hopkins made Bishop Gorman pay. Hopkins mentioned Bowman has been making an equal impression together with his blocking.
“He’s placing all the pieces on the road each play,” Hopkins mentioned.
One of many stars on protection for Mater Dei was linebacker Ezekiel Su’a. He had a sack and in addition deflected certainly one of Eugenio’s passes in a key second-half play.
The Monarchs are off subsequent week earlier than opening Trinity League play in opposition to Orange Lutheran on Oct. 3. Bishop Gorman involves Southern California subsequent Saturday for one more Trinity League matchup in opposition to Santa Margarita at Trabuco Hills.
This win means the mojo is again for the Monarchs. This was an improved efficiency that must be sustained for his or her regular-season finale in opposition to St. John Bosco on Halloween and potential matchup in opposition to unbeaten Sierra Canyon or a rematch with Centennial within the Southern Part Division 1 playoffs.
