The Mater Dei defense took a big hit before Friday’s season opener with loss of senior linebacker and leader Fa’avae Fa’avae.
Rollinson said that Fa’avae suffered an ACL injury during an inter-squad scrimmage and is out for the season.
“That’s a big hit for our defense,” Rollinson said. “You lose a highly recruited Division 1 player like him. The prayers go out to the boy and the family. He’s really been supportive of the team, but what tremendous adversity.
“You’re going into your senior year with everything lined up and on a freak play in intersquad scrimmage he gets a knee injury.”
Fa’avae had 59 tackles, 19 for loss and 11 sacks last year for the Monarchs.
