Serra overpowered by talent-rich Mater Dei
MISSION VIEJO >> The Serra Padres didn’t need to be reminded what they were up against Saturday night in the Open Division state championship game. They already got the notice when Mater Dei ambushed them for three quick touchdowns in the first quarter on its way to a 44-7 victory.
But just before halftime, as if anyone needed more proof, the Santa Ana powerhouse showed why nobody was better across the nation this high school football season than the talent-rich Monarchs.
Petelo Gi was gone, on his way to a touchdown for Serra. The senior running back had charged through a hole on fourth-and-1 near midfield and had nothing but green ahead of him. But as he approached the goal line, Mater Dei defensive back Cameron Sidney made a diving lunge and brought Gi down at the 3.
“Everything happened fast,” Gi said. “I got the ball, I saw a hole and I just took off. I didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t even think it was real. I’m like, ‘I’m still running.’ I started remembering everything, ‘What?’ I just wish I was a tad bit faster.”
Serra was kept out of the end zone on three plays from the 3, Mater Dei held its 24-point advantage and went on to capture its third California Interscholastic Federation Open Division state championship, completing an undefeated season.
Mater Dei coach Bruce Rollinson, under fire for allowing a culture that included alleged locker-room hazing, was carried off the field by his players. Rollinson didn’t talk to reporters after the game.
Serra coach Patrick Walsh, whose team was appearing in its first Open Division game, spoke with pride as he discussed the effort his players gave on the field against an opponent filled with major-college prospects.
“I love my team,” Walsh said. “I wouldn’t want to coach at any other place in the planet. I love my kids. I love their fight. I love my coaches. I love being a Padre. High school football is more than just hoisting trophies. At Serra High School, we believe in what we do, and we build men. We got a step closer to becoming men tonight.”