Loyola Stops Mater Dei in Upset

It’s always nice to have a starting quarterback.

Just ask Los Angeles Loyola.

With starter Henry Burge turning in an efficient performance, and Santa Ana Mater Dei struggling with its backup, Loyola upset the fourth-seeded Monarchs, 14-0, Friday at East Los Angeles College.

It was an ugly way to win a Southern Section Division I semifinal, but gets Loyola to the title game for the first time since 2002.

The Cubs (9-4) will play Anaheim Esperanza or Anaheim Servite, which play tonight at Santa Ana Stadium.

Burge, a senior, completed 13 of 18 passes for 161 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception.

“Henry, all year, has been so steady for us, we’ve come to depend on him for so much,” said Loyola Coach Jeff Kearin.

Burge’s counterpart at Mater Dei (8-5), junior Kyle Valente, in his first varsity start in place of freshman Matt Barkley, completed eight of 15 for 95 yards with three interceptions. He was also sacked three times.

The victory avenged a 19-16 overtime loss four weeks ago in a Serra League game.

Mater Dei tailback Ahmed Mokhtar rushed 20 times for 122 yards in the first half but aggravated an ankle injury and carried only twice for three yards in the second half.

Although the Cubs committed two turnovers, and had a 38-yard field goal attempt blocked, their misfortune paled compared to Mater Dei’s.

Twice in the first half the Monarchs were inside the Loyola 35-yard line, but passes by Valente were intercepted by Chris Conte and Adam Stout. After recovering Chad Peppars’ fumble at the 30, Mater Dei was poised to score on a 37-yard field goal, but the kick was blocked by Peppars.

“We’ve been the underdog the whole season, but we didn’t let it get in our heads,” Burge said.