O.C. Game of the Week

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Servite (7-1, 3-0) vs. Mater Dei (7-1, 2-1), Friday, Angel Stadium, 7:30 p.m., FSN

Since making D.J. Shoemate , No. 3 right, a full-time running back, Servite is playing as well as any team in the Southland. Instead of getting eight touches a game, he is getting 30, and the USC-bound playmaker has made a huge difference. In the first five games, Servite averaged 22.4 points; in the last three, it averaged 30.3. Servite can win the Trinity League title outright with a victory, but the Friars haven’t beaten Mater Dei since Bruce Rollinson became the Monarchs’ coach in 1989.

Mater Dei has an explosive offense led by quarterback Matt Barkley, but fizzled last week in a 31-12 loss to Orange Lutheran. It might need to be more multi-dimensional against a tough Servite defense. Coming off that loss, Mater Dei might have an emotional edge. The central figure, though, is Shoemate, and Mater Dei’s ability to contain him; like everyone else, the Monarchs will take their chances with Servite quarterback Johnny McEntee, who is coming off a 12-for-12 passing performance against St. John Bosco.

Take a look at this YouTube video to see what Servite did against Lutheran -- the squad that dominated Mater Dei.

-- Martin Henderson

-- Image from Lori Shepler/Los Angeles Times