Sparks Gains 281 Yards for Mater Dei

Derek Sparks rushed for 281 yards in 13 carries and scored touchdowns the first three times he touched the ball in his debut for Santa Ana Mater Dei High, which defeated Santa Ana, 38-21, Friday night at Orange Coast College.

Sparks, a senior who transferred from Van Nuys Montclair Prep two weeks ago, scored on an 80-yard touchdown on his first carry. His second also went for an 80-yard touchdown. On his third, he ran 62 yards for another touchdown as Mater Dei built a 21-6 lead in the first quarter.

Sparks, considered one of the Southland’s top prospects, played sparingly in the second quarter, but by halftime he had gained 229 yards in four carries.

Mater Dei (1-2) led, 38-14, at the half.

Santa Ana (0-3) was able to slow Sparks somewhat in the second half, but its offense could produce only a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Estrada to Robert Tabile in the fourth quarter.