BREAKING: Mater Dei has pulled off a stunning upset by rallying from a staggering 21-point deficit to defeat St. John Bosco 36-31 in an electrifying game on October 27, 2023, in Bellflower, California. The Monarchs’ remarkable comeback marks a pivotal moment in the Trinity League as they secure at least a share of the title alongside Santa Margarita and St. John Bosco.
The game began with Mater Dei trailing 24-3, and all signs pointed towards an easy victory for the consensus No. 1 team in the nation, St. John Bosco. But the tide turned dramatically when Chris Henry Jr. burst onto the scene, registering two touchdowns and an impressive 214 yards on just five receptions. “He could be a track star,” exclaimed Mater Dei coach Raul Lara, highlighting Henry’s dazzling 70-yard touchdown catch late in the second quarter that ignited the Monarchs’ offense.
Joining Henry in the surge was Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who also delivered a stellar performance with three second-half touchdowns. Lara humorously remarked, “I wish I could be the quarterback,” showcasing the impressive skills of his senior wide receivers. Mater Dei outmatched St. John Bosco’s formidable trio of Division I commits, leaving the Braves scrambling to respond.
As the game progressed, Mater Dei dominated the second half, finishing on a remarkable 33-7 run. Quarterback Ryan Hopkins played a crucial role, completing 13 of 21 passes for 295 yards and throwing five touchdowns. The comeback solidified Mater Dei’s position in the league as they overcame doubts from their regular-season performance.
Strong defensive plays were pivotal in this turnaround, particularly a forced fumble by defensive back CJ Lavender Jr., which set up Mater Dei’s first points with a field goal. Lavender continued to shine, intercepting St. John Bosco’s sophomore quarterback Koa Malau’ulu three times, including a critical pick that led to a touchdown for Dixon-Wyatt. “Anything he threw, I was going to go get it,” Lavender stated, emphasizing his determination. With seven interceptions this season, Lavender has become a key player for the Monarchs.
The game’s dramatic conclusion saw St. John Bosco attempting to rally, but a bad snap pushed them back to the ten-yard line, leading to another interception just 1:34 from the end. Despite having a chance to score after an unsportsmanlike penalty gave them first and inches, the Braves could not capitalize, sealing their fate.
Henry, who had not played since October 10, expressed his eagerness to return, stating, “It was really difficult… but I was ready for a game like this.” With the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs looming, Mater Dei’s victory sets the stage for a thrilling postseason. They are likely to face strong competition, including Sierra Canyon, who finished their season undefeated with a commanding 52-3 victory over Loyola.
This stunning victory not only energizes the Mater Dei squad but also adds an exhilarating chapter to their season, showing that no lead is safe in high school football. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing as the playoffs approach, making this comeback a game to remember.
