Mater Dei Crusaders building momentum for Metro-Pacific League play

The Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders have been quietly — or maybe not so quietly, if one looks at recent scores — taking care of business as the 2011 high school football season advances.

Still a week away from opening their first season in the Metro-Pacific League, the Crusaders improved to 4-2 overall following last Friday’s 35-0 non-league shutout victory at San Ysidro.
The win was the second consecutive for Mater Dei following a 35-7 loss to visiting Santa Maria St. Joseph on Sept. 23.

The Crusaders host Southwest (2-4) this Friday to conclude non-league play and kick off league play the following Friday against visiting Montgomery (currently also 4-2).
Could Mater Dei Catholic be the team to beat in league play this season?

While Metro-Pacific coaches would say there is no real favorite even at this point of the season, it appears the Crusaders should fit right into the competitive mix.

The Crusaders rushed for 153 yards as a team, with Joe Legrette running for three touchdowns. Cole Lewis had a touchdown run as well

Evan Chambers recovered a fumble and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown to highlight the victor’s defense.

“We played well and are starting to gear up for league play,” MDC coach John Joyner said. “With the running clock in the second half, the game went really fast, but our boys were focused all week and it showed.”

Southwest is coming off a 35-7 non-league loss to Sweetwater in a game played last Friday at Mar Vista High School.