Mater Dei 35, Clairemont 13

The No.2 seed Mater Dei Crusaders advance to the Semi-Finals of the Div. IV playoffs for the first time in school history after defeating the No.7 seed Clairemont Chieftains 35-13.

“It was our goal for the year, now it’s to CIF,” said Crusader RB Luis Victoria who scored the game-clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Head Coach John Joyner in his sixth year started with the program in their first qualified varsity year back in 2008 and is creating history as the season moves along.

Mater Dei started the scoring on the opening drive of the game when it took only 6 plays to travel 65 yards for the touchdown. Mario Williams would bully his way in from three yards out to take the early 7-0 lead.

Near the end of the first quarter, Clairemont would cut into the deficit when RB Alex Beaubien, on the first play of the drive, would take a pitch 73 yards for the touchdown to make it 7-6 after the missed extra point.

Mario Williams would add his second touchdown of the game at the start of the second quarter to extend the Crusader lead 14-6.

At the end of the first half, Head Coach Joseph Kim would pull out his bag of tricks inside the red zone as his reverse-pass started with Beaubien, who handed off to Reef Hosch, who found QB RJ McCoy streaking down the sideline by himself. As far as single plays go, it was the best play call and best executed play all game. The score would bring Clairemont back within one, 14-13.

The second half was a different story for the Chieftains as they were outscored 21-0 by Mater Dei.

The Crusader’s defense stepped up making big play after big play and the offense continued to score utilizing their rushing attack which had four rushing touchdowns on the night.

Mater Dei looks to create more history this season as they face No.3 seed Central Spartans in the Semi-Final game.

The winner will play the victor from the Castle Park, Bishop’s game.