Albano’s football blitz: Mater Dei’s loss tops surprising semifinal results ...Middle East

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

Dan Albano reacts to the CIF-SS football semifinals and takes a first look at the finals this week:

1. Was Mater Dei’s loss to Centennial the most surprising result for O.C. in the semifinals?

Probably so. With all due respect to the Huskies’ No. 1 ranking in the nation by HSratings, the Monarchs seemed to have enough talent to win, though not by much.

Centennial is a strong team that plays together. The Huskies beat the Monarchs twice this fall with discipline and execution in the fourth quarter.

In a 43-36 nonleague win, the Huskies forced seven turnovers and outscored Mater Dei 10-0 in the final period. In a 28-27 victory in the semifinals, Centennial had an early, goal-line stand to force a field goal, blocked a PAT, made clutch catches and blocked a late field goal.

Mater Dei took care of the ball better in the semifinals. The Monarchs’ defense played the run better but injuries in the secondary took a toll.

And in the end, the Huskies stopped one of the most impressive streaks in O.C. football: Mater Dei’s run on consecutive appearances in the finals ended at eight.

It’s going to be an interesting offseason for the Monarchs.

They graduate major receiving threats in Chris Henry Jr., Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Mark Bowman. The list of seniors also includes quarterback Ryan Hopkins, offensive tackle Kodi Greene and defensive standouts Tomu Topui, Shaun Scott and CJ Lavender.

The defense could return a lot promising talent.

The spotlight will be on the offense and quarterback. The Monarchs will have a third new starting QB in three seasons next fall.

2. What’s a quick takeaway for Santa Margarita on Centennial’s win against Mater Dei?

As Santa Margarita prepares to face the Huskies in the Division 1 final Friday at the Rose Bowl, its secondary will certainly note that Centennial attacked Mater Dei’s defensive backs with the pass.

Centennial senior quarterback Dominick Catalano had 30 pass attempts, his second highest of the season.

Santa Margarita’s defense has conquered many challenges this season, especially in the playoffs.

3. Did any O.C. results fly under the radar in the semifinals?

Edison and Beckman.

Edison joined Mater Dei as a reigning section champion in action but lost at Palos Verdes 23-10 in Division 3.

Edison had won eight consecutive postseason games, including a state title, in an amazing run.

Beckman won its ninth consecutive game — longest active steak in Orange County — in defeating top-seeded Palm Desert in the Division 8 semifinals 28-14.

Beckman running back Makhi Czaykowski stayed hot with his third consecutive 100-yard rushing game. The senior was considered for the preseason Hot 150 and has proved he belonged.

4. Beside the Division 1 final, what other game this week is a must-watch ?

Los Alamitos at San Clemente on Saturday for the Division 2 title should be outstanding theater. Both teams are disciplined and united.

The Griffins will be seeking pay back for a 28-9 loss to the Tritons in the Alpha League in late October. San Clemente played with a lot of confidence in the semifinals at Leuzinger.

The Tritons’ passing attack with emerging Preston Beck could give the Griffins’ secondary trouble. The sophomore QB threw three TDs against Los Alamitos in league.

But Los Alamitos’ offense will be eager to prove itself. Since its loss against San Clemente, the Griffins have averaged 35.5 points in four victories.

And in another storyline, the winning coach — San Clemente’s Jaime Ortiz or Los Alamitos’ Ray Fenton — could be a candidate for O.C. coach of the year.

Related Articles

Hence then, the article about albano s football blitz mater dei s loss tops surprising semifinal results was published today ( Monday 24/11/2025 - 11:03 PM ) and is available on The Orange County Register ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Albano’s football blitz: Mater Dei’s loss tops surprising semifinal results )

Also on site :

• The Supreme Court Cast Its Lot With Trumpism. It Should Be Very Worried.
• Eight fire crews tackling blaze at West Midlands Wetherspoon pub
• Kennedy Center President Threatens Lawsuit Against Musician Who Canceled Christmas Eve Concert Because Of Venue Renaming After Trump