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SANTA ANA — Mater Dei’s football team defeated another No. 1-ranked opponent Friday to earn a chance at redemption.
Mater Dei’s Malachi Roby rushed for two touchdowns and Shaun Scott recorded two sacks as the Monarchs defeated Orange County’s top-ranked team, Mission Viejo, 20-0, in the CIF-SS Division 1 quarterfinals on a rainy night at Santa Ana Stadium.
Mater Dei (8-2), ranked third in Orange County, entered the clash against the Diablos (9-2) coming off a 36-31 victory against St. John Bosco, then the consensus No. 1 ranked team in the nation.
“We’re on a roll right now,” Scott said. “All that adversity we’ve been through is just bringing us together as a brotherhood. I feel we’re unstoppable right now.”
“We executed on all levels,” the USC committed outside linebacker added. “They have a great quarterback (in Luke Fahey) so we had to get back there, get pressure and get at him.”
In the semifinals, Mater Dei will play at Centennial — which defeated Servite 41-6 in another quarterfinal — on Friday, Nov. 21 for a chance to advance to a ninth consecutive section final. In early September, Centennial defeat the Monarchs 43-36 in Corona.
“It’s strictly business next week,” Scott said. “When we lose, it’s personal.”
The rainy and slippery conditions on the turf created havoc for the offenses, especially passing the ball.
There were numerous dropped balls, errant releases on throws and slips by runners.
But in the end, Mater Dei handed Mission Viejo its first shutout loss since 1995.
“It was definitely some adverse conditions,” said Mission Viejo coach Chad Johnson, whose spread attack moved under center in the second half. “The spread offense met its Kryptonite tonight. … but I’m proud of my guys.”
“Hats off to (Mater Dei),” the coach added. “That’s a heck of a team.”
Roby scored on short runs in the third and fourth quarters as Mater Dei opened a 20-0 lead.
The senior capped a 41-yard scoring drive with a 4-yard touchdown run with 5:04 left in the third.
Mater Dei capitalized on a 15-yard punt return by Danny Lang and a personal foul penalty against the Diablos after a third down stop.
Early the fourth quarter, Mater Dei’s defense forced a punt from the Mission Viejo 22. But on the punt, the Diablos’ knee touched the turf on the 9 for a turnover on downs. On the next play, Roby scored.
Mater Dei led 7-0 at halftime after a swift drive powered by Mater Dei running back Kennie Leggett.
The junior running back scored on a tackle-busting, 38-yard run in the middle of the second quarter to cap a two-play, 64-yard drive.
Leggett sparked the drive with a 26 yard run after Mater Dei forced Mission Viejo to turn the ball over on downs.
On the Diablos’ fourth-and-4 play from the Mater Dei 33, Fahey slipped on the wet turf for a loss.
Leggett rushed for a game-high 90 yards on 11 carries.
Justin Lewis ran for 80 yards and Roby added 38 as the running back trio compiled 208.
They ran behind an offensive line featuring seniors Kodi Greene and Owen Neill, juniors Lex Mailangi and Adam Foglesong and fresman Damian Armenta.
Mission Viejo’s best scoring opportunity arrived on its second possession. The Diablos had first-and-goal at the 2 but a promising drive fizzled a few plays later on a fumble recovered by Mater Dei defensive tackle Tomu Topui at the 13.
Fahey set up the scoring chance with a 50-yard completion Luke Karby. It was the longest play from scrimmage in the game.
In the first half, Mater Dei’s defense racked up nine tackles for loss, including two by Scott. The senior also had one of his two sacks.
Linebacker DJ Clanton also had two tackles for loss for Mater Dei.
The Monarchs’ defense held Mission Viejo to 1 for 12 on third-down conversions.
Freshman Jaedyn Tuato helped seal the shutout with a leaping interception in the end zone on Mission Viejo’s final play.
Fahey, who is committed to Ohio State, completed 12 of 29 passes for 111 yards.
Davonte Curtis led Mission Viejo in rushing with 78 yards on 19 carries.
Mission Viejo sophomore Matthew Dalhover recorded a sack, a tackle for loss and forced a fumble.
