The back-to-back CIF Open Division state champ Monarchs open against the Inland Empire power Huskies.
Video: No. 1 Mater Dei vs. No. 12 Corona Centennial preview A breakdown of what to expect when these two Southern California powers lock horns.
The
Huskies have been counting the days, 280 to be exact, to get another
crack at the back-to-back CIF Open Division state champs after the Monarchs
ended their season in the 2018 semifinals with a dominant 48-14 beating.
Both teams are loaded with some of
the best talent in California. Here are five players from each squad
that should make a huge impact at the Santa Ana Bowl on Friday night.
Mater Dei
QB Bryce Young (5-11, 185) — The 2020 USC commit was named the MaxPreps Co-Junior Player of the Year last season after throwing for over 3,800 yards and 39 touchdowns.
OT Myles Murao (6-2, 315) — The 2020 Washington commit is definitely in the discussion when
talking about the best offensive lineman in the country. He's
dominated the best competition and showed it last season against IMG
Academy's (Fla.) Nolan Smith, who was the No. 1 rated player on
247sports composite rankings for the Class of 2019.
LB Raesjon Davis (6-1, 210) — He checks in as the No. 1 outside linebacker in the Class of 2021 and
it is crazy to think he's going to be way better during his junior
season. He had 20.5 tackles for loss and seven and a half sacks in 2018
and a big-time interception against St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
in their 17-13 win in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship.
CB Jaylin Davies (5-11, 165)— It is his time to shine now with Elias Ricks and Darion Green-Warren
both gone. He's ready for the moment and leads a very talented but
young secondary.
C George Miki-Han (6-1, 300) — He's been starting since his freshman season and playing at a high
level since Day One. He helps give Mater Dei one of the best offensive
lines in high school football.
Corona Centennial
WR Gary Bryant Jr. (5-10, 165) — Easily one of the most talented wide receivers in the country and going
against Davies will be a can't miss matchup on Friday.
DE Korey Foreman (6-4, 245) — Speaking of can't miss matchups Foreman lining up against Murao is
going to be one of the best offensive lineman/defensive lineman shows of
the season. He checks in as the No. 1 player from the Class of 2021 on
247sports composite rankings.
CB Isaiah Young (5-9, 160) —
The 2020 Cal commit is one of the most underrated defensive backs in
the country. He can line up against anyone and is one of the most
physical defensive backs in California.
WR Aaron Smith (6-0, 205) — Smith is a name to keep tabs on in 2019. He, along with 2021 standout
Branden Alvarez, give Matt Logan three big-time playmakers to get the rock to.
QB Carter Freedland (6-2, 195)
— The former Mater Dei Monarch would enjoy nothing more than to beat
his old team to open the 2019 campaign. In the Huskies loss to the
Monarchs last year, he threw three interceptions so you know that has
motivated him during the offseason. He and
Ala Mikaele will both get run under center this year and expect Logan to go with the hot hand during the season.
Mater Dei vs. Corona Centennial history
This
will be the 10th meeting since 2004 and Corona
Centennial holds a 5-to-4 edge. It
will be the first regular season matchup since Aug. 30, 2014, and the
Monarchs won 38-18 but the Huskies got their revenge in the second round
of the Pac-5 playoffs with a 27-24 victory led by
Javon McKinley.
That
win sprung the Huskies to the Pac-5 section title and they eventually
lost 63-42 to De La Salle (Concord) in the CIF Open Division championship.
The last three meetings have all
come in the postseason. Centennial won in 2014 and 2015 but Mater Dei
cruised to a dominant 48-14 win last season.
Elias Ricks led the way with three pick-sixes in one half and
Bru McCoy hauled in eight receptions for 135 yards and two scores.
