Mater Dei football commits seven turnovers in stunning loss to Centennial

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

CORONA — Mater Dei’s early-season search for more consistent, and convincing, results encountered a familiar rival Friday for the start of a pivotal stretch

The Monarchs’ exploration continues.

Centennial forced seven turnovers leading to 30 points and delivered deep in the fourth quarter to upset Mater Dei 43-36 at Centennial High.

The Huskies’ Jaden Walk-Green made a leaping interception in a duel with Kayden Dixon-Wyatt with 1:51 left in the fourth quarter to seal a wild win for the Huskies (3-1). Mater Dei (3-1), ranked No. 1 in the nation, suffered its first loss to the Inland Empire power since 2015.

The interception was controversial as both players appeared to be fighting for the ball at the Centennial 35.

Centennial forced its seventh turnover with a fumble early in the fourth quarter. The Huskies then drove for a 4-yard TD run by Malaki Davis with 2:27 left for a 43-36 lead. It was Davis’ third TD.

Mater Dei trailed 28-0 late in the first quarter and 33-7 at halftime. The Monarchs then erupted for 29 points in the third to take a 36-33 advantage into the fourth.

The Monarchs entered the nonleague showdown coming off consecutive, three-point victories to start the season. Their charge against the Huskies delivered another dramatic fourth period.

Walk-Green kicked a 36-yard field goal with 8:27 left in regulation to tie the score 36-36.

Mater Dei QB Ryan Hopkins highlighted the third quarter with a 42-yard TD run and 71-yard scoring strike to Dixon-Wyatt.

Mater Dei trailed 33-7 at halftime after the Huskies forced three turnovers that led to 21 points in the first quarter. Inland Empire’s No. 1-ranked team also forced a safety late in the second quarter to cap the scoring.

After Centennial opened the first quarter with a 10-play, 80-yard scoring drive, the Huskies’ pass rush quickly asserted itself as the dominating force of the night.

Centennial hit Hopkins on a pass attempt that Walk-Green intercepted and returned 10 yards for a score 4:04 left in the period.

On Mater Dei’s next possession, edge Jonathan McKinley II pounced on a loose ball following a high snap by the Monarchs. The Huskies took over deep in Mater Dei territory and opened a 21-0 lead on a 1-yard TD run by Davis.

The stunning start continued late in the first period. Centennial’s Keawe Browne forced a fumble on a sack that the Huskies recovered and turned into an 8-yard TD run by Zander Lewis.

The Monarchs opened the season by traveling to Florida. They beat nationally-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas 26-23 but struggled in the second half with penalties and an out-of-sync offense.

Mater Dei’s next scheduled game against Bishop Montgomery was canceled. The South Bay school forfeited the Aug. 29 game because of health concerns and ineligible players amid a saga that eventually ended their season.

The Monarchs came off the bye last week and edged visiting Kahuku of Hawaii 21-18. Kahuku (2-3) is ranked 90th in the nation this week by MaxPreps.

Friday kicked off a challenging five-game stretch for Mater Dei. Next week, the Monarchs play at Bishop Gorman of Nevada, ranked No. 3 in the nation. The Gaels handled Kahuku 38-0 in late August.

Mater Dei then take its scheduled bye before playing Orange Lutheran, Santa Margarita and Servite in the Trinity League.