News Summary
In a closely contested matchup, Mater Dei edged out Kahuku with a score of 21-18 at Santa Ana Stadium. The Monarchs, now 2-0 this season, held a slim lead at halftime and showcased strong performances from quarterback Ryan Hopkins and tight end Gavin Honore. Despite Kahuku’s efforts, including a late-game comeback, Mater Dei secured the victory after recovering an on-side kick. Both teams demonstrated notable resilience and competitiveness, making them ones to watch as the season progresses.
Santa Ana, California — In a nail-biting contest, Mater Dei narrowly defeated Kahuku with a final score of 21-18 during a Friday night football showdown at Santa Ana Stadium. The Monarchs, currently ranked No. 1 nationally, improved their season record to 2-0.
The game showcased a competitive spirit from both teams, with Mater Dei taking a slim lead of 8-7 at halftime. The Monarchs kicked off the scoring when quarterback Ryan Hopkins connected with tight end Gavin Honore for a 20-yard touchdown pass just 1 minute and 42 seconds into the match. Shaun Scott scored a two-point conversion immediately following the touchdown, giving Mater Dei an early edge.
Kahuku, which entered the game following a tough 38-0 loss to Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, responded with determination. Late in the first half, Kahuku executed a 76-yard, 13-play drive that culminated in a touchdown from quarterback Troy Mariteragi to tight end Rhino Aumua, allowing them to close in on Mater Dei.
As the game progressed, Mater Dei seemed to command more control, with Malachi Roby extending the Monarchs’ lead to 21-10 after a 3-yard touchdown run with just 2 minutes and 27 seconds remaining. However, Kahuku did not back down, launching a furious comeback. Mariteragi found wide receiver Christian Sanford-Tupuola for another touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion that brought the score within three points.
In a thrilling finish, Mater Dei managed to recover an on-side kick with only 40 seconds left on the clock, effectively sealing the victory. Head coach Raul Lara noted the team’s unfamiliarity with close games and acknowledged Kahuku’s significant improvement compared to their previous matchup.
While Mater Dei celebrates their win, the matchup underscored the resilience of Kahuku, as interim coach Nihoa Pule commended his team for their focused and improved performance despite their earlier struggles. This close call drew heightened attention, given that Mater Dei is the nation’s top-ranked high school football team, showing that even elite squads can face challenges on any given night.
Looking ahead, Mater Dei is set to face Centennial from Corona, California, in a road game on September 12. The Monarchs’ offensive unit demonstrated areas requiring better execution, which has been a focal point for Coach Lara moving forward.
As the season continues, it remains clear that both Mater Dei and Kahuku will be teams to watch. Mater Dei aims to solidify its top ranking, while Kahuku has shown they can be a competitive force, hinting at a promising trajectory despite their recent setbacks.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Mater Dei Football Survives Tough Battle to The End with Kahuku
- MaxPreps: Top 25 High School Football Scores – Mater Dei Slips by Kahuku
- Sporting News: Live Updates – California Mater Dei vs Hawaii Kahuku Football
- Wikipedia: Mater Dei High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
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