#16 Centennial (CA) Tops Mater Dei

By Jeff Fisher
The High School Football Huddle

It wasn't the track meet like last year, but Friday night's game between Southern California powers Centennial (Corona, CA) and Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) didn't disappoint those that like offense.

The two team combined for 966 yards in total offense, and when the dust cleared, Centennial (#16 USA Today Super 25) stood the victor 47-35. The Huskies victory avenged last year's defeat to Mater Dei 51-37 when the two teams combined for 1,300 yards in total offense.

Mater Dei entered the game ranked #2 in California, while Centennial was #4.

To read more about the game from the Orange County Register, click here.

California Showdown Between #16 Centennial and Mater Dei

By Jeff Fisher
The High School Football Huddle


Two of California's best high school football teams square-off Friday night in Santa Ana. Mater Dei (2-0) and USC-bound quarerback Matt Barkley will host Centennial (1-0), the #16 team in this week's USA Today Super 25. Mater Dei is ranked #2 in California, while Centennial is ranked #4.

For a game preview from the OC Register, click here.

Mater Dei (CA) Survives in 3 OT Battle With Carson on ESPN 2

By Jeff Fisher
The High School Football Huddle


It took three overtimes, but 2007 Gatorade National Player of the Year Matt Barkley and his Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) teammates were finally able to shake Carson 46-43 in a game that was nationally televised on ESPN 2 Wednesday night.

Barkley, who looked good-and-bad at times, tossed six touchdown passes to go along with four interceptions, including one in the second scoreless overtime for the Monarchs, who entered the game ranked #29 in the ESPN Rise Fab 50. Barkley, who has verbally committed to USC, ended the game 15-of-31 for 301 yards. His top receiver was senior Ario Winston who caught six balls for 143 yards and three touchdowns.

To read more from the Orange County Register, click here.

Crespi Knocks #18 Mater Dei Out of California High School Football Playoffs

From the opening whistle, Crespi let it be known that it wasn't intimidated by 18th ranked Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA). The Celts jumped out to a 24-0 lead and then withstood 19 unanswered points by the Monarchs on the way to a 48-26 win in the PAC 5 Division quarterfinals Friday night.

Crespi (9-2) had a balanced attacked with running backs Austin Shanks and E.J. Woods rushing for 171 and 125 yards respectively. Sophomore quarterback Bryan Bennett made no mistakes and tossed four touchdown passeses, while the Crespi defense shut down junior Matt Barkley.

Crespi advances to the semifinals where it will meet Servite next week.

To read a complete game recap, click here.