By Kevin Askeland
MaxPreps.com
Three of the biggest games in the country took place in Southern California over three days with Mater Dei, De La Salle and Notre Dame each picking up wins. All three games are featured in this week's Top 10 Games to Watch Recap.
Mater Dei 51, Centennial 37
The Monarchs and the Huskies combined for 1,298 yards of offense, a state record according to Cal-Hi Sports, in a showdown between the top two teams in California, based on the MaxPreps.com rankings. Matt Barkley had another huge game for Mater Dei, completing 21 of 31 passes for 364 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile Ryan Bass was big for Centennial, rushing 44 times for 329 yards and four scores. See Story
De La Salle 35, Mission Viejo 7
The Spartans evened their series with the Diablos with an impressive 35-7 win in Mission Viejo. Michael Czyz was the key for the normally run-happy Spartans as he caught three passes, all touchdowns, for 179 yards. He has caught 10 touchdown passes on just 13 receptions this year. Meanwhile Tito Pica ran for 133 yards. The De La Salle first string defense gave up its first touchdown of the season in an otherwise stellar performance. See Story
Canyon 17, Crespi 14
After pulling off two big upsets this year, the Crespi Celts found out how it feels to be on the other end of an upset in a 17-14 loss to the Canyon Cowboys. The Cowboys, the defending CIF Division 1 Bowl champions, entered the game with a 1-3 record, but they were able to keep the Celts out of the end zone despite a 380-yard passing effort by Crespi quarterback Bryan Bennett. Jordan Ferguson led the Canyon running game, gaining 97 yards on 25 carries.
Notre Dame 17, Servite 9
Notre Dame used a strong defensive effort to defeat previously undefeated Servite, 17-9. Wes Horton had two sacks for the Knights while Anthony McDonald and Hayden Hunter had one apiece. Quarterback Dayne Crist completed 10 of 21 passes for 196 yards, with most of that total coming in the first half. See Story.
California 19, Monte Vista 13
One week after knocking off defending league champion Foothill of Pleasanton, the California Grizzlies got another big win with a 19-13 victory over the Monte Vista Mustangs. The Grizzlies kept Monte Vista out of the end zone with a goal line stand and then drove 98 yards for the go-ahead touchdown on a 29-yard pass from Nick Spalliero to Camden Cook. Later, Leroy Green tossed a 56-yard halfback pass to Cook for the deciding touchdown.
Serra 39, Valley Christian 22
The Padres handed Valley Christian its first loss of the season, 39-22, behind the running of DeLeon Eskridge, who gained 190 yards and scored three touchdowns. The Padres (4-2) also got a 43-yard punt return from Matt Calderon in the win.
Foothill 28, Paradise 10
The Cougars avenged last year's loss to the Bobcats in the section finals with a 28-10 win. Paradise was unable to gain much yardage on offense, but still managed to hold a 10-7 lead at halftime thanks to a field goal and a fumble return for a touchdown. The Cougars scored three times in the second half, however, to pull away and stay unbeaten at 6-0. Kyle Johnston scored on a 1-yard run for the Cougars and Buzz Ward added a 2-yard scoring run while gaining 106 yards on 21 carries. Linebacker Casey Robertson also scored on defense for the Cougars.
Patterson 34, Calaveras 27
The Tigers stayed unbeaten at 5-0 with a 34-27 win over the Redskins. Robbie Samano scored three times for Patterson, including the go-ahead touchdown late in the game that capped an 89-yard drive. Calaveras missed out on taking the halftime lead when it was stopped at the 1-yard line trailing 24-19.
Sutter 35, Wheatland 26
Sutter held off Wheatland, 35-26, in a battle between two of the top Division 2 teams in the Northern Section. Mitch Sanders ran for 107 yards on 12 carries and scored three touchdowns for the Huskies, who shut down Wheatland's Andrew McCleary, limiting him to just 73 yards on 22 carries. Sutter also got a 45-yard fumble return by Todd Ziegenmeyer and Josh Birmingham had a fumble recovery to set up another score.
Vacaville 56, Davis 14
The Bulldogs took away all the drama against Davis by scoring 35 points in the first quarter en route to a 56-14 win. Terence Daily ran for 219 yards and five touchdowns and became the school's all-time leading rusher, according to the Vacaville Reporter, replacing Evan Williams. Dailey has 4,202 career yards. Johnny Feaster added 121 yards while the defense blocked a punt and intercepted a pass. Markel Williams also returned a punt 54 yards for a Vacaville touchdown.