Mater Dei Holds on 24-21 vs Bishop Amat
Mater Dei held on to win 24-21 after an early battle turned into a game of turnovers. Several players stood out for Mater Dei including: RB Brandon LaMarche (3 TD), senior WR Andre Collins, junior QB Matthew McDonald, offensive linemen Frank Martin (USC commit) and newcomer Tommy Brown (2018, 6'7 315).
Junior DL Chris Green was a force along with defensive backs Jalen Cole, Quentin Lake and Roman Kafentzis.
The Lancers led 21-14 at halftime after senior DB Chris Gaston intercepted a pass intended for Andre Collins and returned it to the house. Bishop Amat then struggled with turnovers nearly every time the game was within reach in the second half after losing the lead.
Senior wideouts Tyler Vaughns and Trevon Sidney were targeted all over the field, which led to several nice plays and a few jump balls that resulted in interceptions. Once Amat establishes consistent quarterback play they will be one of the top teams in the area.
RB Torreahno Sweet will be a major factor to help open up the Amat passing game. Sweet rushed for two scores, including one long run where he cut back across the field to a wall of downfield blockers.
Tesoro Beats Edison 35-16, Devon Modster 5 Total TD
The Tesoro Titans rolled to an impressive 35-16 victory over the Edison Chargers in front of a raucous home crowd Friday night. Tesoro quarterback Devon Modster shined for the Titans on the ground and through the air.
Trailing 3-0, Modster rushed for a touchdown to give Tesoro a lead they would not relinquish. The Arizona commit added two more rushing touchdowns in the first half to give Tesoro a 21-3 halftime advantage.
On defense, Tesoro was led by the stellar performance of defensive end Chris Evagues who racked up several sacks and wreaked havoc in the backfield all night. The Titans are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.
Modster took advantage of his arsenal of weapons that includes Spencer Heinsius, Tylon Freeman and Carter Jaenichen.
St. John Bosco rolls La Mirada 76-8
The St. John Bosco Braves opened up the 2015 high school football season with a dominating 76-8 victory over La Mirada.
After giving up a touchdown on the opening drive and falling behind 8-0, St. John Bosco settled in and imposed their will on La Mirada. When it was all said and done, the Braves claimed a convincing victory and appeared poised for another strong campaign. Bosco scored on 11 of 13 possessions.
The Bosco defense shut down La Mirada after the opening score. Offensively, the Braves put forth a balanced attack through the air and on the ground.
Up next for Bosco is a matchup with Norwalk followed by a road trip to Oregon to take on Central Catholic.
Serra Defeats Lakewood 41-15
The Gardena Serra Cavaliers defeated the Lakewood Lancers 41-15 in the season opener. With a highly anticipated matchup with Corona Centennial looming next week at the Honor Bowl, the Cavaliers took care of business against Lakewood. Serra held a 28-0 advantage at the half.
The Serra D is loaded with D1Bound talent at every level. Ballers like Brandon Burton, Blake Walls, CJ Pollard and Oluwole Betiku have the Cavaliers poised for another landmark season.
Jim Benkert Wins Debut as Oaks Christian Head Coach
Oaks Christian edges out Notre Dame in a thriller 41-34 season opener. Notre Dame quarterback Cole Klayman led the Knights to leads of 7-0, 14-7 and then 21-14 at the half staying one step ahead of Oaks Christian. But Oaks Christian clawed their way back into the game in the third quarter behind a strong performance from running back Gil'Scott Jackson.
Entering the 4th quarter tied 28-28, Oaks Christian looked to star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. After Notre Dame went up 34-28, Pittman made an acrobatic catch in the corner of the endzone to tie it again at 34-34. He was not finished yet. With only 28 seconds left on the clock, Pittman caught a 38 yard corner of the endzone to send the Oaks Christian crowd into a frenzied celebration and give Oaks Christian a well deserved 41-34 over a strong Notre Dame team that played with heart.
