Mater Dei Puts Away Mustangs

For at least one half, Mater Dei looked beatable.

But the top-ranked Monarchs shook off their lethargic play in the second half and took advantage of three interceptions to cruise past Trabuco Hills, 35-7, Friday in a South Coast League game at Trabuco Hills High.

Mater Dei (8-0, 3-0 in league) scored 21 points in the final 5 minutes 26 seconds to turn a close game into a rout.

The Mustangs (4-4, 1-2) shocked Mater Dei by taking a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 90-yard touchdown pass from Tom Lindow to Scott Arthur. It was the second time this season that the Monarchs had trailed.

From then on, however, it was the Mike McNair Show.

McNair rushed 27 times for 324 yards and scored four touchdowns. His first touchdown from 35 yards tied the score at 7-7, which was the halftime score.

After three straight Mater Dei punts to open the second half, McNair ran 77 yards to give Mater Dei a 14-7 lead. Kenney Aguilar then intercepted a pass by Lindow at the Mustang 37 and 11 plays later, McNair powered his way in from the two.

On the Mustangs’ next play, Joey Boese picked off a Lindow pass and scored from 13 yards. Rod Perry then intercepted a Lindow pass for a second time.

McNair finished the scoring with 51 seconds remaining on an 81-yard run.