On a wet field in front of a crowd of more than 5,000, the Mater Dei Monarchs delivered a punishing defensive performance and a steady ground attack to earn a 20–0 shutout victory over Mission Viejo on Friday night. Despite heavy rain early and slippery conditions throughout the first half, Mater Dei’s discipline and physicality allowed them to gradually take over the game and pull away in the second half.
The game began with both defenses setting an immediate tone. Mater Dei kicked off to Mission Viejo, and the Diablos managed to cross midfield early thanks to a long connection from #3 Luke Fahey to #1 Luke Karby, pushing the ball to the Monarchs’ 30-yard line. Mission Viejo continued driving inside the 10 before disaster struck — Mater Dei’s #52 Tomu Topui fell on a fumble at the 13-yard line, ending the threat.That turnover shifted momentum for Mater Dei, who pushed out to their own 35 later in the quarter. Still, both teams exchanged punts and turnovers on downs, ending the first quarter locked in a 0–0 defensive stalemate.
Early in the second quarter, Mission Viejo once again crossed into Monarchs territory, but Mater Dei’s defense forced a turnover on downs at the 31-yard line. That stand sparked the Monarchs’ offense.
With about five minutes left in the half, Mater Dei delivered the first big strike of the night — a 38-yard rushing touchdown, breaking the scoreless tie and putting the Monarchs up 7–0 after the extra point. The run electrified the Mater Dei sideline and swung control firmly toward the home team.The Monarchs nearly added more before halftime, stringing together multiple first downs and driving inside the Mission Viejo 30. But a late punt sent the game into the break with Mater Dei holding a 7–0 advantage.
Mater Dei opened the second half by marching deep into Diablo territory; although they missed a field goal on their opening third-quarter drive, it didn’t take long for their ground game to take over.
With five minutes left in the third quarter, #3 Malachi Roby powered in for a 3-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Monarchs’ lead to 14–0 after the PAT. Mission Viejo struggled to respond, repeatedly pinned deep in their own territory and unable to flip field position.Mater Dei’s defense remained relentless, collecting sacks, forcing punts, and sealing edge runs. The Monarchs entered the fourth quarter up 14–0 and firmly in control.
The fourth quarter opened with another statement from Mater Dei’s offense. After forcing another Mission Viejo punt, Roby struck for his second touchdown of the night, this time a 9-yard run that pushed the lead to 20–0. A two-point attempt failed, but the Monarchs’ dominance was evident.Mission Viejo had one final chance to spoil the shutout. With under a minute to play, Fahey connected on a deep pass to #10 Jack Junker, reaching the Mater Dei 24-yard line. But any hope of a late score was erased moments later when the Monarchs came up with an interception at their own 10-yard line — the final defensive highlight of a complete performance.
Mater Dei’s defense was the story of the night, pitching a shutout, forcing two turnovers, and repeatedly stonewalling Mission Viejo’s drives inside Monarch territory. Offensively, Malachi Roby powered the Monarchs with two second-half touchdowns, while a key long run before halftime provided the spark that opened the scoring.On a night defined by rain, field position, and trench battles, Mater Dei proved once again why their physical style travels — or in this case, holds steady in the mud.
