Mater Dei can't win a playoff game without Victor Blackwell. Mater Dei's defense isn't ready for tough Pac-5 play. There's no way Mater Dei can score against Long Beach Poly.
Where all all the haters now?
When Monarchs wide receiver Victor Blackwell separated his shoulder last week against Santa Margarita, Mater Dei was a bunch of dead men walking.
According to last week's poll, 71% of voters thought that Mater Dei couldn't advance past the first round without Blackwell. The remaining 29% who believed it to be possible, were proved to be correct.
Prior to facing Mater Dei, Long Beach Poly had held their previous six opponents to only eight points per game. That all changed Friday night, as the Monarchs advanced to the second round defeating the Jackrabbits 26-10.
Mater Dei used Poly's tired and true method against them: Ground, pound, and defend.
Corbin Anderson picked a good night to breakout. He scored a career high three touchdowns with 114 yards rushing.
"Probably my best game ever," Anderson said. "My mentality every week is that nobody can tackle me. The defense can't stop me. I've been studying their film. I knew what they were going to do, and I was ready for them."
Meanwhile, quarterback Max Wittek attempted only 14 passes, but he completely caught the Jackrabbits off guard with his mobility in the second half.
"Coach Money calls it up," Wittek said. "If I'm open, I'll take anything I can get."
Meanwhile on the defensive end, the Monarchs were all over Poly quarterback Chaiyse Hales. Three sacks and three interceptions forced the Jackrabbits to play from behind for nearly the whole game.
"We come together at clutch moments," Mater Dei defensive back Tyler Meglan said. "We had a great week at practice, and that's what did it for us."
Mater Dei plays Tesoro next Friday in the second round of the Pac-5 playoffs, and Victor Blackwell might be able to go in that one. His arm was in a sling Friday night, but it's a touch and go situation.
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