No. 1 Mater Dei hangs on for win over St.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.– It only took an extra 90 minutes to wait for, however the Broward County Classic High School Football Display’s premier match between Mater Dei and St. Thomas Aquinas took place Saturday evening.
If there was more time on the clock, things might’ve looked a little different for the Raiders at the end.
Though the Monarchs didn’t score a single point in the 2nd half, they didn’t exactly need to as they hung on for a 26-16 success over the Raiders.
“Well, to start with, much credit to St. Thomas Aquinas. Their kids played difficult and I know they’re well coached,” Mater Dei head coach Raul Lara stated.”I understand there’s a lot of great athletes over there and a lot of fantastic athletes that have came out of this program. Coaches are doing a terrific job.”
Wisconsin commit Ryan Hopkins shines
If the very first quarter appeared like a lackluster duration for Mater Dei quarterback Ryan Hopkins, he truly warmed up in the 2nd with his star-studded broad getting corps.
Hopkins by intermission had completed 8 of 14 passes for 232 lawns and three goals as Chris Henry Jr. was the main target, finishing with 4 catches for 135 yards and two goals.
The future Badger seldom looked rattled or distressed at any point, with the Monarchs (1-0) cruising throughout the 2nd half to an overwhelming lead. Hopkins ended up the game completing 13 of 23 passes for 282 lawns and 3 ratings.
With having the ability to get a look at St. John Bosco and Mater Dei on back to back days, we can securely state we can’t wait to see the two rivals square off on Halloween.
St. Thomas Aquinas could not avoid turnovers
The Raiders (0-1) are referred to as among the most well disciplined groups in the Sunshine State, and that consists of taking care of the football on offense.
That was a location of the game that St. Thomas Aquinas could not mark off their box on Saturday afternoon, coughing the football twice against the nation’s No. 1 group.
Whether it was senior Mason Mallory (16 of 27, 97 backyards) or junior Cody Conness behind center, neither could prevent turning over the ball to the Monarchs via interceptions. With how excellent the Monarchs were playing up front, it nearly didn’t matter what the Raiders did in trying out offense.
The good thing for the Raiders is that Mater Dei is the best group they’ll play all season long and everybody else will not be of the Monarchs’ quality. Winning a 17th state title is still the objective and one game doesn’t change that.
Mater Dei’s Chris Henry Jr. was unstoppable
Individuals from all around South Florida came to see the Raiders effort to distress the Monarchs and rather see Mater Dei dominate for most of the night.
High school football fans got a great look at among the best wide receivers in the country in Ohio State luxury dedication Chris Henry Jr., who put on a program for the faithful.
The future Buckeye ended up with a state line of 4 catches for 135 lawns and 2 touchdowns.
St. Thomas Aquinas’ defense did a good task of taking Henry Jr. away in the second half, containing the elite pass catcher to no catches in the last two quarters.