Serra League Showdown Set

The Serra League will get the showdown many fans have been looking for.

Santa Ana Mater Dei used a stifling defense to get past Bellflower St. John Bosco, 34-7, Saturday night at Santa Ana Stadium and set up a battle next week against Los Angeles Loyola that should help determine the champion of one of the toughest leagues in the state.

Mater Dei (6-1, 2-0) held St. John Bosco scoreless until late in the game and allowed only 123 yards rushing to set up the game against Loyola, which is the only other unbeaten team in the league.

“I told the kids this was an important game because we needed to have momentum going into next week,” Mater Dei Coach Bruce Rollinson said.

Daniel Jenkins, the season rushing leader for St. John Bosco (4-2, 1-1), had only 27 yards in nine carries. Mater Dei also forced three St. John Bosco fumbles, one of which Isaiah Reupena returned 27 yards for a touchdown.

The Mater Dei running game took care of things on offense. James Brunt had 113 yards and three touchdowns in 21 carries and Rick Russell had 115 yards and a touchdown in 11 carries.