Still digesting Centennial vs. Mater Dei
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The Mountain View League got payback Friday night against the Trinity League, with Corona Santiago stopping a two-point conversion with just under five minutes remaining and holding on to defeat visiting St. John Bosco, 17-15.
That’s probably little consolation for Corona Centennial, which lost to Mater Dei, 51-37, in a destined-to-be classic that left sideline reporters with aching feet and spectators with sore necks.
I wrote Thursday night that the game reminded me of the Santa Margarita vs. Tustin championship game 10 years ago at Cal State Fullerton. After a little more research, it’s amazing how similar the games unfolded.
Just like the Centennial vs. Mater Dei epic, the Tillers traded touchdowns with Santa Margarita until the Eagles finally made a late defensive stop that allowed them to take a two-touchdown lead. That was the breathing room they needed in the 55-42 victory.
On that night, Santa Margarita quarterback Carson Palmer, now starting for the Bengals, threw for 419 yards and five touchdowns, with three of his receivers surpassing the 100-yard barrier. On Thursday night, Mater Dei quarterback Matt Barkley threw for 365 yards and two touchdowns, with receiver Robbie Boyer hauling in nine passes for 186 yards
Tustin running back DeShaun Foster, now starting for the Carolina Panthers, pierced the Santa Margarita defense for 377 yards and six touchdowns. Centennial running back Ryan Bass rushed for 324 yards and four touchdowns.
I would be remiss not to include the Division V championship game from five years ago as another one I’ll remember when I’m older and grayer. That shootout between Riverside North and Centennial continued into overtime before Centennial finally went for two and succeeded, then stopped North’s two-point try to win, 57-55.
I guess eight touchdowns from Centennial running back Terrell Jackson was enough that night.
- Dan Arritt