LJ FB 18, Mater Dei 56

By Ed Piper

Viking Spence Carswell punts the ball away

late in the game at Mater Dei.

(Photos by Ed Piper)

Senior Kevin Steel did more than a creditable job filling in at quarterback for the injured Jackson Stratton, as La Jolla's football team had to contend with the waves and waves of Mater Dei Catholic's private-school talent in a non-league 56-18 loss Fri., Sept. 17.

As one observer partial to the Crusaders stated, "We have too many options" with all the talent on the roster. Though Steel, in his first career start, persevered despite facing a defensive rush that forced him to hurry several passes, Mater Dei continued its onslaught after starting QB Domonic Nankil's departure early in the second quarter to take a 21-0 lead to the 38-point final margin.

Before the game, Viking head coach Tyler Roach said about Steel, "He'll play some," mentioning also using receiver/ball carrier Makai Smith in a wildcat scheme. But apparently Kevin's progress encouraged Roach to go with him again and again, though La Jolla seemed hopelessly out of the game

with an early second quarter deficit of 21-0.

With Makai lining up at quarterback in the wildcat scheme on the first play of the game--the formation resulting in a five-yard penalty before La Jolla was even able to snap the ball--Steel, who one observer said "throws a good ball", completed two passes before a Crusader penalty.

The completions went to receiver Mason Powers, then Smith, a minor theme through the night. Another part of the evening was flags thrown against Mater Dei, who features 6'1", 235-pound linebacker Tre Edwards, rated a four-star athlete by 247sports. MDC plays aggressive, sometimes bordering on dirty.

La Jolla turned the ball over on downs on its first possession. But late in the second period, Steel kept the ball and ran over for the Vikings' first touchdown for 21-6. Halftime score was 28-6.

After a Steel interception midway through the third quarter, Justin Scully caught a pass over the middle for 22 yards. The QB was sacked by Edwards, then Kevin connected with Makai on a 10-yard pass to make the score 35-12.

Steel had a Smith state of mind for the final Viking score, which Makai caught, then ran for an 86-yard play. 7:46 remained on the game clock.

Kevin Steel (visible in the center background)

filled injured QB Jackson Stratton's spot,

his first start ever on the varsity level.

Here two enormous MDC defenders rush Steel,

including linebacker Jerimiah Cook (34).