Graham Gains 131 in Half as Mater Dei Wins Easily

Mater Dei running back Michael Graham rushed for 131 yards and two touchdowns, all in the second half, as the Monarchs (3-1) routed La Canada St. Francis, 41-7, Friday night.

John Flynn led the Mater Dei passing attack, hitting Michael Rzeznik for touchdowns covering 19 and 10 yards.

Flynn completed six of 13 passes for 77 yards, and Rzeznik caught five passes for 53.

Steve Bodnar contributed 85 yards in four carries, including a 73-yard touchdown run on the second play from scrimmage.

The Mater Dei defense dominated, allowing only 150 yards of total offense. Field position was the story as the Golden Knights (2-2) turned the ball over four times in their own territory.

Graham, Mater Dei’s sensational sophomore, did not play in the first half because he recently missed two practices.

“We disciplined Michael for a team infraction,” Mater Dei Coach Bruce Rollinson said. “He will start next week. We want to get this problem behind us and get him ready for next week.”

Graham said his missed the practices because “I had a lot of stress and things on my mind.” He would not elaborate.

St. Francis was led on offense by Ben Collins, who carried 15 times for 52 yards and caught a 57-yard touchdown from Luke Barrett.

Keith O’Brien made two interceptions to pace the Golden Knights’ defense.