Mater Dei 31, Mar Vista 14

The Mater Dei Crusaders (4-4, 1-0) took Mar Vista (5-3, 0-1) by storm defeating the Mariners in their territory 31-14.

Mater Dei ruined Senior Night jumping out early to a 14-0 lead on a pair of touchdowns by RB CJ Verdell and WR Jovan Bayless.

After missing the first seven weeks with a leg injury, CJ Verdell has come back and looked strong through his first two games. The sophomore running back had three rushing touchdowns on the night displaying strength and quickness.

After watching the Crusaders a few weeks ago, they’re noticeably a better team with RB CJ Verdell healthy giving them a good shot at the Pacific League title.

The Mariners cut the deficit in half, 14-7, on a 95-yard touchdown run by Khalil Spruill.

At halftime, Mar Vista cut it back within seven points, 21-14, when Josh Cooper took an interception back 25-yards for a touchdown.

There are nights when a team beats themselves and tonight was that night for the home team. They couldn’t figure out how to get out their own way with four turnovers in the second half.

Both teams will continue Pacific League play next week as Mar Vista heads to Sweetwater and Mater Dei plays Hilltop at home.