Playoff-less Mater Dei ends on high note

MISSION VIEJO - Mater Dei coach Bruce Rollinson wanted the Monarchs to play for their seniors and for the 2012 season Friday.

No. 8 Mater Dei succeeded for both by defeating host JSerra, 42-19, in the Trinity League finale at Saddleback College.

Mater Dei (4-6, 2-3) entered the game out of the playoffs for the first time since 1986.

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OCVarsity Hot Shots from Friday's games

OCVarsity Fandemonium from Friday

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He wanted his seniors to finish strong against JSerra (4-6, 1-4) and for the 2012 returners to build momentum for next season.

Joseph Campos led the seniors by scoring two touchdowns and recording a sack.

Junior Thomas Duarte provided more promise for next season by catching a touchdown, collecting two sacks and returning a fumble 60 yards for a touchdown.

"It's exactly what we had to have," Rollinson said. "There were some games there (this season) that could have gone either way. At least they can hold their heads up because it's still Mater Dei and I've got to take a look at everything."

Rollinson said he hopes that missing the playoffs will motivate his program.

"It means we've had great success for 22 years and its great motivation for me and my staff," he said. "We'll build it but that old Trinity League is no easy task."

Mater Dei led, 21-19, in the middle of third quarter when its defense made two huge plays.

Junior defensive lineman Pule Moaliitele returned an interception 6 yards for a touchdown with 6:46 left in the third.

Linebacker Ricky Ortiz tipped the pass that Moaliitele grabbed.

On JSerra's ensuing possession, Duarte sacked JSerra quarterback Jake Hall, stripped the ball and returned the fumble 60 yards as Mater Dei opened a 35-19 lead with 3:24 left in the third.

Mater Dei forced five turnovers, including interceptions by Moaliitele, sophomore Jonathan Lockett and junior Treavon Coley.

The Monarchs, meanwhile, didn't commit a turnover. Junior quarterback Ryan McMahon completed 10 of 15 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. He threw only one pass in the second half.

Mater Dei senior Lavon Wright rushed for 102 yards on 10 carries. The Monarchs finished with 210 yards on the ground.

JSerra needed to win and a victory by Orange Lutheran against St. John Bosco to force a three-way tie for third place. Mater Dei and JSerra open against each other in the Trinity League next season.