| |
|
| Mater Dei prevails in Triple Overtime Thriller |
|
|
| |
|
| |
| 09/03/2008 – The fourth-ranked Mater Dei Monarchs couldn’t have scripted a more dramatic opening to their 2008 campaign. It took the visiting team not one, not two, but three overtime periods to knock off the Carson Colts with a 46-43 victory.
|
|
| |
During the final overtime period, Matt Barkley, the reigning Gatorade National Player of the Year and Joe Montana Quarterback of the Year, found Derek Campbell in the corner of the end zone for a 10-yard strike to seal the Mater Dei victory.
Barkley would finish the game completing 15/31 passes for 301 yards with six touchdowns to four interceptions.
Nationally broadcasted under the bright lights of Long Beach Veterans Stadium on ESPN2, the contest featured two future USC teammates in Mater Dei’s Barkley and Carson Tight End Morrell Presley. The highly publicized battle between the two Trojan exceeded the pre-game hype.
Though Barkley and Presley were difference makers in their own right, it was the special team’s play for both teams that would influence the outcome of the Wednesday night showdown.
Carson failed to convert on three extra points and three field goal attempts. Each of the teams failed to capitalize on extra points in the first overtime that would have sealed the outcome. Mater Dei defensive back, Christian Maldonado, blocked both an extra point in the first overtime session and a potential game–winning field goal during the second overtime.
Trailing 34-20 halfway through the third quarter, Barkley and the Monarchs were well within striking distance. After two touchdown passes to Ario Winston (42 yards and 7 yards) and two extra points, Mater Dei and Carson were knotted in a 34-34 tie.
On the opening play of overtime, Carson quarterback Daniel Torres connected with running back Ezekial Graham for a 10-yard touchdown strike. Mater Dei would counter when Barkley threw his fifth touchdown strike to Campbell. However, the Colts special teams would block the field goal go to keep the game at locked at a 40-40 tie.
After A.J. Ropati intercepted Barkley in the second overtime session it appeared that Carson was in prime position for the victory. The Colts opted to try for a 24-yard field goal on third down, but didn’t get the kick off due to a botched snap. Forced to attempt the kick again, this time from 32 yards out, Maldonado broke around the left side and blocked the attempt to force a third overtime session.
Despite falling short in their season opener, the Carson offense showed many signs of why they’re in the running for the city section title. Graham led the way for the Colts offense by carrying the ball 17 times for 137 yards and one touchdown. Torres was equally as effective threw the air and over the ground by completing 8/15 passes for 129 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while rushing for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Presley led the receiving corps with 4 receptions for 95 yards and one touchdown.
Heading into Wednesday nights contest, the common question surrounding Mater Dei was the play of Barkley’s new receiving corps. Inexperienced and untested, the unit exceeded expectations and proved to be a dependable fixture in the Monarch’s offense. Winston led the way with six receptions for 143 yards and three touchdowns while sophomore Victor Blackwell returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown and also caught a 19 yard scoring strike. Campbell tallied four receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns (both in overtime).
Mater Dei will resume their season next Thursday, September 11 versus Cypress High School inside the Santa Ana Bowl. Carson will hit the road Friday, September 12 to take on Serra High School.
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
