Angelus League : Mater Dei Field Goals, Fumble Recovery Pace 13-7 Win

Mater Dei High School defensive back Tim Haider returned a fumble 33 yards for a touchdown with 1:38 remaining in the game to seal the Monarchs’ 13-7 win over Bishop Montgomery Friday night in Angelus League play at Torrance.

The Monarchs improved to 2-1 in league and 5-3 overall. Bishop Montgomery lost its fourth straight game to fall to 0-3 in league and 3-4 overall. The Knights had opened the season with three straight victories.

Before Haider’s touchdown, Mater Dei was clinging to a narrow 6-0 lead. Placekicker Gary Coston, the Southern Section’s top scorer among kickers with eight field goals and 16 PATs coming into the game, kicked field goals of 46 and 38 yards in the second and third quarters. He attempted a 42-yarder in the second quarter that was wide left.

Bishop Montgomery scored its only touchdown on a five-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Todd Viter to Kurt Bohney with 19 seconds remaining in the game to spoil Mater Dei’s shutout bid.

The Knights had an opportunity to take a lead in the second quarter when Mater Dei fumbled on its 4-yard line, clinging to a 3-0 lead. But Bishop Montgomery returned the favor and fumbled the ball back to the Monarchs on the next play.

Mater Dei sophomore quarterback Todd Marinovich completed 17 of 41 pass attempts for 155 yards and was intercepted twice. Wide receiver Jim O’Brien caught 7 passes for 47 yards.

Bishop Montgomery outgained the Monarchs, 241-144, in total yardage, but the Knights were penalized six times, including four major penalties. Bohney was the leading rusher for the Knights with 90 yards on 19 carries.