De La Salle’s Streak on Line

A national-record winning streak and bragging rights in the state will be on the line tonight when Santa Ana Mater Dei plays host to Concord De La Salle at Edison Field in Anaheim.

A crowd of more than 25,000 is expected for the first football game in the remodeled stadium as Mater Dei attempts to end De La Salle’s 78-game winning streak.

De La Salle, winner of six consecutive North Coast Section championships, has not lost since Dec. 7, 1991, when it was defeated by Pittsburg, 35-27, in the section’s 3-A title game.

De La Salle (2-0), coached by Bob Ladouceur and ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today, is coming off a 48-20 victory over Bakersfield. The Spartans run a veer T offense and are led by running backs Atari Callen and D.J. Williams.

Callen gained 200 yards and scored four touchdowns against Bakersfield. Williams scored on a 58-yard run.

Mater Dei (2-0), winner of three Southern Section Division I titles this decade, has defeated Clovis West and Bellflower St. John Bosco. Running back Junior Palacios is the Monarchs’ top offensive threat with 306 yards and three touchdowns. Middle linebacker Kevin Mitchell leads the Mater Dei defense and also plays fullback.