Bodnar Steps In, Helps Mater Dei Defeat Edison

Michael who?

After the much-heralded departure of running back Michael Graham, who left Mater Dei for Edison, you would think the Monarchs would be in trouble.

They aren’t.

Steve Bodnar has proved to be every bit the threat Graham was, and he showed it Friday night at Santa Ana Stadium.

Bodnar rushed 18 times for 134 yards and caught two passes for 51 to lead fifth-ranked Mater Dei to a 19-15 South Coast League victory over eighth-ranked Capistrano Valley (4-3, 1-1). Mater Dei is 6-1, 1-0.

Bodnar provided two the game’s biggest plays on a night when big plays were crucial against a couple of tough defenses. He scored on an 86-yard run and hauled in a 46-yard scoring pass in the Monarchs’ 19-point second quarter, during which they wiped out a 7-0 deficit.

“I said it at the time, I don’t think we drop off a bit (with Bodnar in the backfield),” Monarch Coach Bruce Rollinson said. “Bodnar is a good running back.”

Since he became the primary ballcarrier three games ago, he has gained 438 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns, one receiving. Including the receiving touchdown, three scores have been from 46 yards and beyond.

“I was upset (Graham) couldn’t stick with the program,” said Bodnar, who would have otherwise been a backup and played defense. “I just want the team to win.”

Despite Bodnar’s play, it was a team effort by the Monarchs. Robbie Tritz intercepted two passes in the fourth quarter, with 4 minutes 6 seconds left in the game at the Mater Dei 26-yard line, and with 1:51 left at the 38.

“I can’t say enough about our defense,” Rollinson said.

The figures speak for themselves: Capistrano Valley rushed 25 times for 38 yards.

The Cougars scored first on an explosive run by Gabe Payne, who took a simple screen pass from Sam Gaines and then outran everyone to complete a 56-yard scoring play.

The Cougar defense, dominated the Monarchs, until Bodnar displayed his speed. The junior took a pitch and went 86 yards on a second-and-10 play. Brandon Smallwood’s extra point tied the game at 7-7.

That wasn’t all, though. Bodnar and his teammates scored twice in the final final 1:45 of the first half. They got the ball when Capistrano Valley was unable to convert a fourth and 10 at the 29. John Flynn completed a pair of passes to get the ball to the Cougar 46, then found Bodnar streaking down the middle. Bodnar caught the pass in stride, sidestepped a defender and high-stepped his way into the end zone.

The special teams forced a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, and Michael-John Rzeznik recovered. On third and eight, with three wide receivers lined up on the left side, Joey Trampush ran a trap 24 yards untouched for the score.

Capistrano Valley came back in the third quarter. A 54-yard interception return set up Dan Geiss’ five-yard score. Geiss ran in for a two-point conversion to make it 19-15.

Capistrano Valley was on the move in the fourth quarter, but Mater Dei’s defense held on fourth and eight at the 29; forced a fumble at the 29 and Michael Lopez ran it to the eight, though the offense didn’t score; and got two interceptions.