Telepeer

Dan Albano’s Top 5 matchups to watch in the Mater Dei-St. John Bosco football showdown

October 24, 2024

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

The Top 5 matchups to watch in the Mater Dei-St. John Bosco game Friday at Santa Ana Stadium:

1. Can St. John Bosco slow Mater Dei’s ground attack?

This is the No. 1 question for a few reasons. Orange Lutheran running back Steve Chavez rushed for a season-high 131 yards on 22 carries (6.0 yards per carry) against St. John Bosco in the teams’ Trinity League opener. Servite running back Quaid Carr went for 166 yards on 21 carries (7.9 ypc) against the Braves last week. What will Mater Dei running back Jordon Davison do?

The Oregon-committed senior has 592 yards (6.7 ypc) rushing behind an offensive line that is better than its rivals at Orange Lutheran and Servite.

Davison also could run with some extra motivation after injuries limited him in two games against the Braves last season.

The Monarchs will support Davison — one of their emotional leaders — with the dual-threat capabilities of QB Dash Beierly and a talented combination of wide receivers and tight end Mark Bowman.

St. John Bosco’s defense is in the spotlight after surrendering 422 yards of offense to Orange Lutheran but has made strides in this area the past two games.

2. How will Koa Malau’ulu handle the pass rush of Mater Dei?

The Braves now feature the standout freshman at QB following the transfer of Matai Fuiava to Kahuku of Hawaii. Malau’ulu is 2-0 as the starter, including an impressive second-half rally against Orange Lutheran. He plays with poise beyond his years and has thrown some exceptional passes — short and deep.

Mater Dei’s defense is outstanding, especially with its ability to pressure quarterbacks. Nasir Wyatt and Shaun Scott are explosive edge players and Tomu Topui and Semi Taulanga can create pressure up the middle.

Like Davison, Wyatt could be playing with extra motivation. The reigning Register defensive player of the year and Oregon commit was quiet against the Braves last season, including an early injury in the CIF-SS Division 1 final.

St. John Bosco could look to support Malau’ulu by committing more to the run or sticking with its short passing attack.

3. How does Mater Dei’s defense fare in pass coverage?

The St. John Bosco unit that seems to draw the most attention from opposing coaches is its athletic wide receivers. Juniors Madden Williams (6-2, 182), Carson Clark (5-9, 172), Daniel Odom (6-3, 191) and Christian Davis (5-11, 175) combine size, speed and playmaking. The group is arguably the best in the Trinity League.

Mater Dei’s counters with the best secondary. Cornerbacks Daryus Dixson (Penn State) and Chuck McDonald (Alabama) have proven they don’t need much help in pass coverage. Safety CJ Lavender Jr. has continued to improve while Danny Lang II, freshman Ace Leutele and sophomore Aaryn Washington have emerged.

The Monarchs’ secondary will need to be sharp. If St. John Bosco aims for short passes, keep an eye on Mater Dei linebacker Abduall Sanders. The Alabama committed senior reads and moves well. Remember his pick-six against the Braves in the Division 1 final last season.

4. Can Mater Dei continue to win the turnover battle?

In Mater Dei’s three biggest victories this season — Centennial, Bishop Gorman and Servite — it didn’t commit a turnover. In seven games, Beierly hasn’t thrown an interception on 130 attempts. The Washington commit has completed 66 percent of his passes for 14 TDs and no interceptions.

Credit Mater Dei coach Raul Lara for emphasizing discipline in the turnover battle. The Monarchs have taken the message to heart.

But don’t dismiss St. John Bosco in this area. Malau’ulu has completed 66 percent of his passes with 12 TDs and one interception.

5. Which team will play better in the second half?

If the score is somewhat close at halftime, don’t jump to any conclusions. Mater Dei and St. John Bosco have both played well in the second half this fall. The Monarchs pulled away from Centennial and Bishop Gorman in the second half while the Braves rallied from a 10-point deficit at intermission to beat Orange Lutheran in the final minute. St. John Bosco also dug deep to beat Santa Margarita 13-0 after the teams were scoreless after three periods.

The Monarchs have more senior experience but the younger Braves have shown their heart.

RELATED COVERAGE

https://twitter.com/ocvarsityguy/status/1849127122092122461

Steve Fryer’s preview, prediction for St. John Bosco vs. Mater Dei in Trinity League showdown

High School Sports |

Steve Fryer’s preview, prediction for St. John Bosco vs. Mater Dei in Trinity League showdown

High School Sports |

Fryer on Football: Previews and predictions for Week 9’s top games

High School Sports |

St. John Bosco football confident freshman QB Koa Malau’ulu has the poise to handle Mater Dei’s defense

High School Sports |

OCVarsity football: Michael Huntley’s 11 players to watch in Week 9

High School Sports |

Dan Albano’s Orange County football Top 35 rankings, Oct. 23

Orange County Register

News Details

Dan Albano’s Top 5 matchups to watch in the Mater Dei-St. John Bosco football showdown

Related Articles

News

CONTACT INFO

QUICK LINKS

SERVICES

CURRENT NEWS