SOUTHERN SECTION FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Santa Ana Mater Dei 38, Bellflower St. John Bosco 28--Nathan Coash intercepted a pass at the goal line with one minute remaining to thwart a second-half comeback attempt by St. John Bosco in a Serra League game at St. John Bosco High.

The Braves (6-4, 1-2) trailed, 24-7, at halftime but pulled to within 31-28 when running back Derrick William broke free for a 53-yard touchdown run with 6:34 left to play.

But Mater Dei, as it did when St. John Bosco pulled to within three points in the third quarter, answered. Rafael Rice capped a 60-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run that gave the Monarchs (6-4, 2-1) a 38-28 lead with 2:35 left to play.

Mater Dei gained 324 yards on the ground, including 166 in 26 carries by Rice.

The victory assures Mater Dei of a playoff berth because it finished among the league’s top two teams. St. John Bosco must hope for an at-large berth.