Mater Dei Sacks Bishop Gorman, 31-15
Top Two ranked teams put on show for nationwide broadcast
By Dan Albano, Orange County Register
SANTA ANA — Mater Dei’s football team and Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas clashed Friday to settle the debate, at least for now, on who should be ranked No. 1 in the nation.
The Monarchs left no doubt.
Jordon Davison rushed for two touchdowns and Mater Dei’s defense produced six sacks to collect a 31-15 victory in front of an estimated 7,500 at Santa Ana Stadium.
Mater Dei (2-0) entered the showdown ranked No. 1 in the nation by multiple polls, including MaxPreps. Bishop Gorman (2-1) arrived as MaxPreps’ No. 2-ranked team and reigning national champion.
The Gaels also entered with a 27-game winning streak, with their last loss coming against Mater Dei 24-21 in 2022.
Mater Dei dominated this one behind its offensive line and speedy defense that handled a mostly one-dimensional attack. Quarterback Dash Beierly added 99 yards passing and 49 yards on the ground.
“Bishop Gorman is a phenomenal program and for us to beat them tonight, we were just the better team. Our kids were really focused and executed,” Mater Dei coach Raul Lara said.
“I told (our players) in the beginning that there is so much talent, if we understand the brotherhood and we stay together and we understand our assignments and execute, nobody is going to beat us. I truly believe that, and I think they’re starting to understand that.”
Mater Dei opened a 21-7 lead in the third quarter on a 23-yard touchdown run by Davison. The Oregon-committed senior capped a six-play, 58-yard drive by sweeping outside before bursting along the sideline.
The Monarchs later chewed up more than seven minutes to set up 26-yard field goal by Dominic Zante early in the fourth quarter.
Mater Dei’s defense continued its stellar play on the ensuing with an interception by CJ Lavender Jr., who returned the ball to the Gaels 31. Three plays later, Trenton Dunn scored on a 11-yard run as the Monarchs opened a 31-7 lead.
The offensive line of Sione Tohi, Lex Mailangi, Joseph Genova, Talan Tumanuvao and Kodi Greene helped Mater Dei rush for 171 yards.
The build up to the teams’ fourth all-time meeting included a call out by Mater Dei.
In late November, former coach Frank McManus passionately asked for a matchup against Bishop Gorman after the Monarchs dominated St. John Bosco for the CIF-SS Division 1 title. “We’re ready to take on Gorman,” he said as the Monarchs’ players burst into cheers.
Mater Dei certainly seemed ready on Friday.
On the opening possession, the Monarchs marched 77 yards on 11 plays for a 1-yard touchdown run by Davison.
Wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt gave Mater Dei the ball at the 1 with a slick 15-yard reception on a pass from Beierly.
Beierly, who is committed to Washington, was sharp on the scoring drive. The senior completed 4 of 4 passes for 42 yards and finished the game 13 of 15.
Mater Dei kept on the pressure. Sophomore Dailon Clanton recorded a sack to force a quick Bishop Gorman punt.
On the ensuing possession, the Monarchs capped a 45-yard drive with a 12-yard TD pass by Beierly to Chris Henry Jr. The Gaels protested the reception as Mater Dei opened a 14-0 lead.
The Monarchs’ defense produced another stop early in the second quarter. Outside linebacker Nasir Wyatt collected a sack on third down and Bishop Gorman missed a 38-yard field goal attempt.
But Mater Dei couldn’t capitalize.
The Gaels inserted Maika Eugenio at quarterback and drove 70 yards for a score before halftime. Eugenio punctuated the possession with a 4-yard TD pass to tight end Anthony Hickman with 43 seconds left as Bishop Gorman trimmed Mater Dei’s lead to 14-7.
Running back Jonathan Coar sparked the scoring drive and finished the half with 43 yards.
But in similar fashion to its season-opening victory against Corona Centennial, Mater Dei pulled away in the second half.
On defense, Clanton finished with 1 1/2 sacks while Lucas Campizta collected up a team-high 10 tackles.
Next week, Mater Dei plays at Kahuku of Hawaii (3-1) on Sept. 14. Earlier this season, Kahuku lost at Bishop Gorman 33-7 but has won two straight since and will be coming off a bye week.