Mater Dei gets bounce-back win over Bishop Gorman

LAS VEGAS — In a city where you may make your own luck or can sink additional into an abyss, Mater Dei High dug deep, wiped away recollections from a loss last week and answered a gut-check call to come away with a 27-24 street victory over Bishop Gorman on Friday night time. Coach Raul Lara introduced up the phrase “resurrection” during a postgame huddle with his gamers.

The win absolutely resurrects Mater Dei’s season. It was doom and gloom one week in the past when the Monarchs fell behind 28-0 to Corona Centennial, then rallied but misplaced 43-36. Seven turnovers left everybody questioning if the Monarchs have been no longer a top crew after being ranked No. 1 in the nation by a number of organizations.

Friday’s efficiency against an unbeaten Bishop Gorman crew noticed Mater Dei flip to two of its preseason All-Americans on offense, tight end Mark Bowman and receiver Chris Henry Jr. Bowman had landing catches of 29 and 36 yards. Henry had two landing catches, including the game-winner with 6:06 left from 37 yards.

Quarterback Ryan Hopkins, bouncing back from turnovers last week, saved firing away against a strong Bishop Gorman protection, getting the ball to his excellent receivers and not letting penalties or an interception scale back his confidence.

“It’s facing adversity,” Hopkins said. “Last week was a tough one. This is a step forward. It’s next-play mentality.”

There have been ominous black clouds passing above that let loose a dose of rain more than three hours before kickoff, but the climate cleared and the Monarchs didn’t have to put up with the downpour and lightning delay that St. John Bosco endured in 2014 during a 34-31 loss to Bishop Gorman.

It was an entertaining first half that ended in a 14-14 tie. Both groups missed scoring alternatives. Mater Dei blocked a Bishop Gorman field-goal attempt that was returned by Aaryan Washington to the 13-yard line, then had to settle for a 30-yard area aim by Jerry Shifman. Bishop Gorman compelled a fumble by Hopkins, and Prince Williams returned it for a landing that was nullified by defensive holding.

Soon Hopkins related with Henry on a 54-yard cross to the one-yard line in the ultimate seconds. But a Mater Dei unlawful process penalty and little time left the Monarchs to settle for a 23-yard area aim to tie the rating.

Mater Dei (3-1) had zero penalties in the first quarter, a major enchancment from earlier video games, but the Monarchs went back to making errors after that. There was an offsides on a fourth-and-short play. There was a five-yard penalty before kicking off the ball. Through all that, the Monarchs persevered.

“Great game,” Lara said. “Two great teams and great programs. We knew it was going to be a fight. I’m proud of my guys.”

Bishop Gorman quarterback Maika Eugenio was efficient shifting in the pocket to get the ball to his top receivers and handed for two touchdowns. Massiah Mingo had receptions of 62 and 38 yards.

Mater Dei hasn’t misplaced more than one sport in season since 2014, so the stress was on.

“It’s finding that chemistry and continuing to grind,” Lara said. “I think all the games are going to be like this. Everyone is gunning for us.”

Bowman, the USC commit who reclassified from junior to senior to start his faculty profession next 12 months, finally acquired the chance to show off his receiving expertise. He got here in with only seven catches in three video games but was left open a number of occasions, and Hopkins made Bishop Gorman pay. Hopkins said Bowman has been making an equal affect with his blocking.

“He’s putting everything on the line every play,” Hopkins said.

One of the celebrities on protection for Mater Dei was linebacker Ezekiel Su’a. He had a sack and also deflected one of Eugenio’s passes in a key second-half play.

The Monarchs are off next week before opening Trinity League play against Orange Lutheran on Oct. 3. Bishop Gorman comes to Southern California next Saturday for another Trinity League matchup against Santa Margarita at Trabuco Hills.

This win means the mojo is back for the Monarchs. This was an improved efficiency that wants to be sustained for their regular-season finale against St. John Bosco on Halloween and potential matchup against unbeaten Sierra Canyon or a rematch with Centennial in the Southern Section Division 1 playoffs.