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PASADENA — Mater Dei’s top-ranked football team entered the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship seeking to extend its sendoff for outgoing coach Bruce Rollinson.
The Monarchs nearly delivered a miraculous rally but fell just short at the stadium that hosts “The Granddaddy of Them All.”
The Braves stopped a 2-point conversion attempt with 3:08 left in the fourth quarter and held on to stun the Monarchs 24-22, ending Rollinson’s 34-year legendary career before 15,955 at the Rose Bowl.
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs looks on as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jacob Sanders #68 of Mater Dei Monarchs looks on as St. John Bosco celebrates as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Khmori House #6 of St. John Bosco reacts after they stopped Mater Dei Monarchs on a two point conversion attempt in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcus Harris #10 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown over Marcelles Williams #1 of St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Jason Negro of St. John Bosco holds up the championship trophy as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
RJ Fineanganofo #51 of Mater Dei Monarchs along with Topui Tomuhini #52 of Mater Dei Monarchs looks on as St. John Bosco celebrates as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs consoles Jordon Davison #0 of Mater Dei Monarchs as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mater Dei Monarchs players dejected as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs speaks to the media as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcus Harris #10 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches pass for first down over Marcelles Williams #1 of St. John Bosco in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Hayden Eligon II #80 of St. John Bosco catches pass for touchdown past Charles McDonald #20 of Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Matayo Uiagalelei #11 of St. John Bosco catches a pass for touchdown over Daryus Dixson #8 of Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs holding his grandsons hand listens as his players recite the alma mater as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
DeAndre Moore #3 of St. John Bosco runs of a touchdown against Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs walks through the tunnel prior to a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the St. John Bosco at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Vertonio Weatherton #48 of St. John Bosco tackles Jordon Davison #0 of Mater Dei Monarchs on a two point conversion attempt in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Matayo Uiagalelei #11 of St. John Bosco drops a pass in the end zone against Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs consoles Jordon Davison #0 of Mater Dei Monarchs as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cameron Jones #20 of St. John Bosco runs for first down against Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs looks on against St. John Bosco in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
St. John Bosco fans celebrate as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mater Dei Monarchs cheerleader looks on as St. John Bosco celebrates as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jordon Davison #0 of Mater Dei Monarchs runs for first down against St. John Bosco in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcus Harris #10 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches pass for first down over Marcelles Williams #1 of St. John Bosco in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs consoles Jordon Davison #0 of Mater Dei Monarchs as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs looks on as St. John Bosco celebrates as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs walks through the tunnel prior to a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the St. John Bosco at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs with his players one last time as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs holding his grandsons hand watches his players as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mater Dei Monarchs fans look on as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcus Harris #10 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches pass for as first down against St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
St. John Bosco rects after stopping Mater Dei Monarchs on a two point conversion attempt in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jeilani Davis #5 of Mater Dei Monarchs looks on as St. John Bosco celebrates as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
A scuffle broke out between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the St. John Bosco as Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 during a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Jason Negro, left, of St. John Bosco shakes hands with head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs after St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs blows a kiss toward the stands as St. John Bosco celebrates as St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei Monarchs 24-22 CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 26, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs looks on against St. John Bosco in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Elijah Brown #12 of Mater Dei Monarchs passes against St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Jason Negro of St. John Bosco reacts against Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
DeAndre Moore #3 of St. John Bosco runs for a touchdown against Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Hayden Eligon II #80 of St. John Bosco catches pass for touchdown past Charles McDonald #20 of Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcus Harris #10 of Mater Dei Monarchs can’t reach pass in the end zone past Aaron Mikey Williams #4 of St. John Bosco in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcelles Williams #1 of St. John Bosco knocks away pass intended for Marcus Harris #10 of Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jshawn Frausto-Ramos #12 of St. John Bosco tackles Jordon Davison #0 of Mater Dei Monarchs for a loss of yards in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jordon Davison #0 of Mater Dei Monarchs is tackled for a los of yards against St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Matayo Uiagalelei #11 of St. John Bosco drops pass in the end zone over Daryus Dixson #8 of Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cameron Jones #20 of St. John Bosco runs for first down against Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jordon Davison #0 of Mater Dei Monarchs runs for a first down against St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jaylen Crowder #48 of Mater Dei Monarchs picks up a St. John Bosco high snap in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
DeAndre Moore #3 of St. John Bosco drops pass against Daryus Dixson #8 of Mater Dei Monarchs and teammate Zabien Brown #4 of Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jordan Onovughe #14 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches pass for first down against St. John Bosco in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Peyton Woodyard #7 of St. John Bosco knocks away pass in the end zone intended for Jack Ressler #88 of Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
DeAndre Moore #3 of St. John Bosco drops pass against Daryus Dixson #8 of Mater Dei Monarchs and teammate Zabien Brown #4 of Mater Dei Monarchs in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs walks through the tunnel prior to a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the St. John Bosco at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcus Harris #10 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches pass for as first down against St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Elijah Brown #12 of Mater Dei Monarchs is tripped up against St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Matayo Uiagalelei #11 of St. John Bosco tackles quarterback Elijah Brown #12 of Mater Dei Monarchs for loss of yards in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
St. John Bosco fans in the second half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the St. John Bosco at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcus Harris #10 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches pass for as first down against St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs walks through the tunnel prior to a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the St. John Bosco at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jahlil McClain #18 of St. John Bosco catches a pass and runs for a touchdown against the Mater Dei Monarchs in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Khmori House #6 of St. John Bosco reacts after teammate Jailen Perkins #57 of St. John Bosco sacks quarterback Elijah Brown #12 of Mater Dei Monarchs in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jahlil McClain #18 of St. John Bosco catches a pass and runs for a touchdown against the Mater Dei Monarchs in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Pierce Clarkson #10 of St. John Bosco scrambles against the Mater Dei Monarchs in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jailen Perkins #57 of St. John Bosco sacks quarterback Elijah Brown #12 of Mater Dei Monarchs in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jahlil McClain #18 of St. John Bosco catches a pass and runs for a touchdown against the Mater Dei Monarchs in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jordon Davison #0 of Mater Dei Monarchs runs for a first down against St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Elijah Brown #12 of Mater Dei Monarchs scrambles against St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs looks on against St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Nathaniel Frazier #6 of Mater Dei Monarchs runs for yardage against St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
RJ Fineanganofo #51 of Mater Dei Monarchs recovers a fumble by Pierce Clarkson #10 of St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcus Harris #10 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown over Marcelles Williams #1 of St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcus Harris #10 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown over Marcelles Williams #1 of St. John Bosco in the first half of a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs prior to a CIF-SS Division 1 championship game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the St. John Bosco at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
The site of the Rose Bowl Game hosted its first section final since 1944.
St. John Bosco (12-1), ranked second in the nation behind No. 1 Mater Dei (12-1), surged in the third quarter and snapped the Monarchs’ school-record 29-game winning streak behind quarterback Pierce Clarkson and its defense.
Mater Dei suffered its first loss since the 2019 Division 1 final against St. John Bosco.
Rollinson, 73, consoled several players in tears afterward, offering hugs and words of encouragement.
“It’s never been about me. It’s always been about the kids, so you just keep your head up,” Rollinson said. “I’ve been on both ends of these things, so experience helps (me) and it will hit me later on. I just got to be strong for them.
“I’m a football coach. I look at opportunities that we had and unfortunately, we didn’t capitalize on some of those opportunities. … Now, the finality will hit me later on. It will probably hit me in the locker room but we had our chances.”
The Monarchs trimmed the Braves’ lead to 24-22 on a 1-yard TD run by Jordon Davison with 3:08 left in the fourth. But like the Braves’ defense had done throughout the game, it made a stop on the Monarchs’ run on the 2-point attempt.
St. John Bosco recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock to claim the championship.
“Those guys played so well,” St. John Bosco coach Jason Negro said of his defense. “That’s a tough (Mater Dei) offense. Elijah Brown hasn’t lost a high school football game in his career. … Fortunately we were able to get some stops.”
The Braves took a 14-7 lead early in the third period on a 20-yard TD catch by Matayo Uiagalelei on a well-placed fade by the Louisville-committed Clarkson. The younger brother of Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei scored one play after a diving reception by Jahlil McClain, who also played a major role in the first half.
Matayo factor! @boscofootball up 14-7 early 3rd, 14 straight points for the Braves! @ocvarsity pic.twitter.com/ob5dF76DLv
— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) November 26, 2022
Mater Dei responded with a 76-yard TD pass from Elijah Brown over the middle to Marcus Brown but the PAT hit off the upright.
St. John Bosco answered with two quick scores. Deandre Moore Jr. (seven catches, 122 yards) took a short pass from Clarkson and raced 72 yards untouched for a touchdown with 7:01 left in the third. The Braves then recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and added a 33-yard field goal by Marcus Lee for a 24-13 lead.
Mater Dei’s Andre Medina kicked a 25-yard field goal with 4:55 left in the fourth but the Monarchs weren’t done as they chased a ninth section title for Rollinson.
The Monarchs recovered a high snap over the head of the St. John Bosco punter at the Braves 16 to set up the TD run by Davison. But that’s as close as Mater Dei would get. The Braves stopped Davison just shy of the end zone on the 2-point play.
“Both teams definitely played their hearts out,” Mater Dei offensive lineman Brandon Baker said. “Our motto to finish off the season for Rollo unfortunately came up a little short.”
The defenses played key roles as the teams went to halftime tied 7-7.
Mater Dei capitalized on early turnover to open a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Elijah Brown tossed a 28-yard TD pass to a wide receiver Marcus Harris just three plays after RJ Fineanganofo recovered a fumble forced by Nasir Wyatt at the St. John Bosco 43.
Harris made a leaping grab for his 12th TD on his 23rd reception this season.
7-0 MD on another highlight TD grab by Marcus Harris on a dime by @ElijahBrown_29 @ocvarsity pic.twitter.com/I6ObQYX4fx
— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) November 26, 2022
The Braves received a spark from their defense early in the second quarter to tie the score 7-7. Clarkson threw a 45-yard TD to McClain after St. John Bosco made a fourth-down stop at its 34 on the first play of the period.
St. John Bosco held Mater Dei to 0 for 3 on fourth-down conversions in the first half, all on its side of the field. The Braves made the stops at their 34, 35 and 41, and added one from their 29 in the third quarter.
Clarkson completed 14 of 27 passes for 264 yards and three TDs to earn his first victory against Mater Dei. He briefly left the game in the first half after taking a blow to the knee but returned to duel Elijah Brown (21 of 30, 290 yards, two TDs).
Clarkson’s passing was critical as the Monarchs held the Braves to 25 yards rushing. St. John Bosco’s offensive line also didn’t allow a sack.
“For us as a senior class, we just felt like we hadn’t done nothing to be remembered,” Clarkson said. “Hopefully tonight this how we put our legacy in stone and then finish off two weeks later (at state).”
Mater Dei started the farewell tour for Rollinson in the semifinals by defeating Los Alamitos 52-0 in the coach’s final game at Santa Ana Stadium.
It was an emotional goodbye at the “The Bowl,” where Rollinson also played for Mater Dei. His voice cracked during the postgame “Pride Drill” and he later wiped away tears.
Rollinson said in early October that he would probably return for his 35th season but he surprised several of his closest coaching colleagues by announcing on the eve of the playoffs that he would not be back.
Mater Dei’s players also were caught by surprise. “The room was silent,” linebacker Leviticus Su’a said last week of Rollinson’s announcement to the team. “Just a lot of emotion. No other words really had to be said.”
Rollinson notched his 341st victory at Mater Dei last week, extending his county record, according to the Orange County Football Book. His tenure came under fire the past two seasons after an alleged hazing incident that included a police investigation and lawsuit.
Rollinson was asked Friday why this was his last season and took some exception with the question.
“What are you talking about?” he said. “I’ve been doing it for 47 years. Sometimes (with) the old body and your mind, you just say, ‘You know what, it’s time to get another person at the helm.’ “
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