Mater Dei rides quick start to victory

Top-ranked Mater Dei worked in quick-strike mode Friday in its season opener against West Covina.

From Andrew Abbott's 94-yard touchdown return of the opening kickoff to Matt Barkley's career night passing, the Monarchs scored with swift efficiency in a 58-6 nonleague victory at Santa Ana Stadium.

“We came out firing,” Barkley said. “We were hoping to score on the first play on offense but he (Abbott) beat us to it.”

In front a crowd of 5,500, Mater Dei's defense also had an impressive night. The unit's highlight was stopping West Covina (0-1) seven times inside Mater Dei's 10-yard line in the second quarter.

West Covina turned the ball over on downs and Mater Dei's offense continued to heat up. Mater Dei (1-0), ranked No. 1 in the state by CalHiSports.com, played without standout defensive end Cameron Meredith.

The Monarchs still held West Covina's wing-T offense to 88 yards rushing and 24 passing. Meredith, who has committed to Nebraska, was out with a groin injury, Mater Dei coach Bruce Rollinson said. Barkley, a junior quarterback who has been offered by USC among others, passed for a career-high 303 yards and a career-best four touchdowns.

USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian was said to be among those in attendance.

Barkley completed 14 of 25 passes. He was 11 of 20 for 252 yards in a first half that saw the Monarchs run the ball only three times.

Mater Dei showed at least one five-receiver set in the first quarter. The Monarchs most time consuming scoring drive under Barkley's command was just six plays for 1:54.

“We're going to ride his right arm,” Rollinson said of Barkley.

Barkley showed a strong arm but also had time to throw against a defense that started four sophomores. “My (war) piggies gave me time to throw,” Barkley said of his offensive line. “I only get hit once and that was on a screen.”

Sophomore running back Jordan Allen added scoring runs of 17 and 33 yards on his two carries.

Mater Dei finished with 462 yards offense, including 345 passing. Robbie Boyer caught two of Barkley's touchdown passes. Mater Dei defensive back Robert Mojica helped pace the defense with 1.5 sacks and three tackles for losses. West Covina failed to convert its first 11 third-down conversions.

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocvarsity.com