SANTA ANA CA- From the opening kickoff, Mater Dei’s offense set the tone. Running back Kennie Leggett burst through the Servite defensive line for two early touchdowns, giving the Monarchs a 14–0 lead midway through the second quarter. Quarterback Elijah Brown managed the offense with poise, spreading the ball efficiently to his receivers and keeping the Friars’ defense guessing with balanced play-calling.
Servite responded with grit. Quarterback Kale Murphy showed why he’s one of the league’s most dynamic passers, finishing with 236 yards through the air and three touchdown passes. His first strike to Judah Clark in the corner of the end zone cut the deficit to 22–7 before halftime, keeping Servite within reach. But just when momentum began to tilt, Mater Dei’s defense made its mark.
Defensive backs CJ Lavender Jr. and Troy Bishop each recorded interceptions that killed Servite drives and flipped field position in the Monarchs’ favor. Lavender’s pick in the third quarter set up a short touchdown run by Leggett, extending the lead to 29–7. The Monarchs’ defense, aggressive and opportunistic all night, proved to be the difference as they consistently pressured Murphy and disrupted the Friars’ rhythm.
Still, Servite refused to fold. In the fourth quarter, Murphy connected on two more touchdown passes — one a 40-yard bomb to Clark — cutting the lead to 10. But by then, time and turnovers had taken their toll. Mater Dei’s defense stiffened in the closing minutes, sealing the victory and continuing their long stretch of dominance in one of Southern California’s most storied rivalries.Despite 15 penalties totaling 127 yards, Mater Dei’s talent and composure shone through. “We made mistakes, but our defense bailed us out when it mattered most,” said head coach Frank McManus after the game. “That’s what championship teams do — they respond.”
For Servite, the loss was a reminder of how thin the margin is in the Trinity League. The Friars matched Mater Dei in total yardage and showed flashes of brilliance, but key turnovers and defensive lapses proved costly. “We played hard,” said Servite coach Troy Thomas. “But against a team like Mater Dei, you can’t afford to give them second chances.”With the win, Mater Dei remains firmly in the hunt for another league title and state playoff run. Servite, though disappointed, continues to trend upward with a young roster showing promise for the postseason.
Another chapter is written in this fierce Orange County rivalry — and once again, Mater Dei walks away with the upper hand.
