It was a shocking Saturday night for the Mighty Mater Dei football team who took their first loss after an undefeated record of wins in the Trinity League season, 13-1. Even though Mater Dei was ranked number one in the country, that title had no effect on the St. John Bosco Braves at the Anaheim Stadium for the final game of Divison One football.

Mater Dei had a quick start with a 7-0 lead within the first few minutes of the first quarter but was unfortunately countered with a touchdown by the Braves. The Monarchs defense stayed strong to slow down the Braves’ offense but were overwhelmed by their speed. By the second quarter, another touchdown was added to the Braves score board making it 7-14.

St. John Bosco has been the only team this year to have the leading score during the second quarter against the Monarchs team. Starting quarter-back, JT Daniels was forced to throw a total of 289 passing yards, third lowest from his normal yardage with three interceptions to follow by the defense of St. John Bosco. The offense tried to keep up with the Braves scoring rate, but were held short by Bosco’s defense.

The Monarchs and Braves battled to a nearly sold out crown, with alumni from both schools who came to see the schools fight it out on the field. Each supporting fan stayed loud to encourage the two Trinity League teams. At one point, the game was called to a stop due to a fight that broke out in the stands.

At the end of the cold night, Mater Dei kept fighting to the end against the Saint John Bosco Braves and even though some fans were sad at the conclusion some still had hope for the next season.

“I thought the boys played well and they have played with their hearts but still lost an amazing battle,” said Dylan DenDekker from Monarch Sports

The 2017 season, the Monarchs will have another opportunity to take on the Braves in another battle for number one in the Trinity League.