Monarchs come back

MISSION VIEJO- After a facing a surprising first-quarter deficit, the Mater Dei Monarchs responded in resounding fashion Friday night.

Quarterback Matt Barkley passed for 259 yards and touchdown, while running back Jaron Hytche rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns as the Monarchs scored 31 consecutive points to defeat the Tesoro Titans, 31-17, at Saddleback College in a CIF-SS Pac-5 first-round game.

"We were just a little off in the first half, "said Monarch coach Bruce Rollinson. "Our defense stepped up in the second half.”

It was the Monarchs (9-1) who seized the advantage early. Barkley led an impressive four play, 76-yard drive, culminating in a 41-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Robbie Boyer for a 7-0 lead less than two minutes into the game.

However the Titans (7-4) responded on their first possession, marching 46 yards in seven plays. Kicker Travis Hoksbergen's 38-yard field goal trimmed the lead to 7-3.

The Titans then surprised the Monarchs with an onside kick, recovering at their own 49-yard line. From there, they marched 51 yards, taking a 10-7 lead on a 1-yard plunge by fullback Ferras Albitar.

The Monarchs drove 57 yards after an exchange of turnovers to set up a 23-yard field goal by Patrick Duffy, tying the score at 10.

After forcing a Titans punt, the Monarchs drove 80 yards in 11 plays, taking a 17-10 lead on an 8-yard touchdown run by running back Robert Mojica.

Contact the writer: jeichelberger.ocregister.com