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MISSION VIEJO — The least pressing question facing Mater Dei’s football team early Saturday night seemed to be the outcome of the CIF State Open Division championship game.
The top-ranked Monarchs stepped onto the turf at Saddleback College projected to beat Serra of San Mateo by almost 50 points by Calpreps.com, in a mere formality for the national title.
The more serious questions following Mater Dei centered on their culture and the future of Coach Bruce Rollinson after reports of an alleged hazing incident and an off-campus beating carried out by two football players against a classmate.
Those questions don’t seem to be going away anytime soon with the large Catholic school headed toward an independent review of its athletics program.
But on the field, Mater Dei again left no doubt about its supremacy in California and beyond.
The Monarchs, ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps, scored 24 unanswered points in the first half and received three touchdown runs by Raleek Brown en route to a 44-7 victory that featured a running clock for the final five minutes.
Mater Dei (12-0) claimed its third Open Division state title in five seasons and will now likely claim a fifth national championship under Rollinson, who completed his 33rd season.
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Christian Williams #8 of Mater Dei Monarchs holds up the championship trophy after defeating the Serra Padres 44-7 during a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs celebrates players after defeating the Serra Padres 44-7 during a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs with his grandson after defeating the Serra Padres 44-7 during a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs is hoisted on the shoulders of his players after defeating the Serra Padres 44-7 during a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Raleek Brown #4 of Mater Dei Monarchs runs for a first down against the Serra Padres in the second half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Mater Dei Monarchs won 44-7. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Elijah Brown #12 of Mater Dei Monarchs passes against the Serra Padres in the second half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Mater Dei Monarchs won 44-7. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cooper Barkate #18 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches a pass and runs for a touchdown against the Serra Padres in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
A sign saying that head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs is the greatest of all time in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the Serra Padres at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Christian Williams #8 of Mater Dei Monarchs runs for a first down against the Serra Padres in the second half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Mater Dei Monarchs won 44-7. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cooper Barkate #18 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches a pass and runs for a touchdown against the Serra Padres in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quincy Craig #24 of Mater Dei Monarchs runs for yardage against the Serra Padres in the second half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Mater Dei Monarchs won 44-7. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cooper Barkate #18 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches a pass and runs for a touchdown against the Serra Padres in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quincy Craig #24 of Mater Dei Monarchs runs for yardage against the Serra Padres in the second half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Mater Dei Monarchs won 44-7. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson, left, of Mater Dei Monarchs hugs head coach Patrick Walsh of Serra Padres after defeating the Serra Padres 44-7 during a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Petelo Gi #4 of Serra Padres is tackled by the Mater Dei Monarchs defense in the second half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Mater Dei Monarchs won 44-7. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs is hoisted on the shoulders of his players after defeating the Serra Padres 44-7 during a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs is hoisted on the shoulders of his players after defeating the Serra Padres 44-7 during a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Elijah Brown #12 of Mater Dei Monarchs scrambles again st the Serra Padres in the second half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Mater Dei Monarchs won 44-7. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mater Dei Monarchs defense celebrates after stopping Serra Padres on 3rd and inches as the time runs out in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Elijah Brown #12 of Mater Dei Monarchs intercepts a pass and runs fora touchdown against the Serra Padres in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cooper Barkate #18 of Mater Dei Monarchs celebrates with teammate Elijah Brown #12 of Mater Dei Monarchs after catching a pass and runs for a touchdown against the Serra Padres in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Joshua Hunter #14 of Mater Dei Monarchs recovers a Serra Padres fumble in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Joshua Hunter #14 of Mater Dei Monarchs recovers a Serra Padres fumble in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mater Dei Monarchs defense stops Serra Padres on 3rd and inches as the time runs out in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
David Bailey #31 of Mater Dei Monarchs tackles Joseph Latu #26 of Serra Padres for a loss of yards in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Raleek Brown #4 of Mater Dei Monarchs runs for a touchdown against the Serra Padres in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei #46 of Mater Dei Monarchs tackles Dominique Lampkin #7 of Serra Padres in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs walks onto the field prior to a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the Serra Padres at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs talks to James Johnson #16 of Mater Dei Monarchs prior to a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the Serra Padres at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mater Dei Monarchs fans during a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the Serra Padres at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mater Dei Monarchs walks onto the field prior to a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the Serra Padres at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs blows a kiss to someone in the stands prior to a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the Serra Padres at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cooper Barkate #18 of Mater Dei Monarchs catches a pass and runs for a touchdown against the Serra Padres in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mater Dei Monarchs defense stops Serra Padres on 3rd and inches as the time runs out in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mater Dei Monarchs celebrate after a touchdown against the Serra Padres in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs reacts after touchdown against the Serra Padres in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs prior to a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the Serra Padres at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs reacts after a touchdown against the Serra Padres in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Kaho Tuihalamaka #67 of Mater Dei Monarchs tackles Adrian Cardilli #44 of Serra Padres for a loss of yards in the first half of a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Bruce Rollinson of Mater Dei Monarchs prior to a 2021 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game between the Mater Dei Monarchs and the Serra Padres at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 11, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Mater Dei players hoisted Rollinson on their shoulders after the game.
“It was just us showing our thankfulness for what he does for us,” Mater Dei senior wide receiver CJ Williams said of the gesture. “That was a plan put in by our other captain Josh Hunter. It was a great idea. We gave the trophy to his daughter (Catherine), who also helps a lot with the program.”
Rollinson declined a request to speak to the media after the victory, saying, “I can’t.”
“It’s a special thing, for sure,” Williams said of the state title. “Being it’s my fourth year here, I’ve bought in and a lot of guys on the team have bought in. It’s special, and to do in that fashion and to do it for Coach Rollinson in spite of everything that has happened, it’s really good.”
The Monarchs used their defense and the deep ball accuracy of Elijah Brown to race to a 21-0 lead in the opening quarter against Serra (11-2).
On Mater Dei’s third play from scrimmage, Elijah Brown launched a 78-yard TD deep down field to Cooper Barkate as the Monarchs took a 7-0 lead. The sophomore’s toss came a few hours after his predecessor, Alabama’s Bryce Young, won the Heisman Trophy.
The Monarchs’ defense quickly chipped in on the next two Serra possessions, setting the tone for another dominant performance.
Linebacker Malaki Te’o returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown.
On the next Serra possession, Mater Dei sophomore linebacker Tanner Williams forced a fumble on a run from the Padres 10-yard line that Hunter recovered and returned to the 3. Two plays later, USC-committed running back Raleek Brown scored on a 1-yard TD run for a 21-0 lead.
The Monarchs’ defense kept to the script by ending the first half with a goal-line stand to protect a 24-0 lead. Cal-committed cornerback Cameron Sidney made the stand possible with a diving, touchdown-saving tackle of Petelo Gi at the Mater Dei 3 with 17 seconds left.
Serra ran the ball 45 times for 182 yards (4.0 yards per carry) but finished with only 23 yards passing.
“Our biggest thing is just running to the football and just hit hard,” said Hunter, who also had an interception and seven total tackles. “We did that and had a lot of fun out there.”
Junior linebacker Leviticus Su’a led Mater Dei with 10 total tackles.
“Our defense came out these last three playoff games and just over-performed,” Williams said.
Mater Dei opened a 31-0 lead on a 3-yard TD run by Raleek Brown in the middle of the third quarter before Serra quarterback Dom Lampkin scored on an 18-yard run with 3:18 left in the period.
Raleek Brown added a 15-yard TD run in the final seconds of the third and finished with 61 yards on 11 carries.
Elijah Brown completed 18 of 25 passes for 243 yards and two TDs en route to improving to 17-0 as a starter.
Mater Dei’s latest controversy surfaced earlier this week with an allegation that one of its students in 2019 was beaten by two Monarchs football players at an off-campus gathering, suffering a broken jaw.
Allegations about hazing surfaced last month before the Monarchs’ clash with rival Servite in the CIF-SS Division 1 final. The report, related to a lawsuit filed by a former Mater Dei family, details how two Monarchs punched each other in February in a game called “Bodies”, alleged to be an initiation or hazing ritual.
The smaller player suffered traumatic brain injury, cuts over his eyes and broken nose. The lawsuit claims negligence per se-hazing in violation of the California penal code among others. Santa Ana police recommended the larger player be prosecuted for felony battery but the Orange County District Attorney’s Office hasn’t filed charges.
But despite the controversy around the program, the Monarchs focused on the field.
“It’s just the competitive nature of this team,” Williams said. “We’re so dang close that we don’t want the person next to us down … and we don’t want to let Coach Rollinson down. Going through a COVID year together, that was a lot. It was a lot to handle. I think it just set up for the adversity we faced in the games.”
“When you got a bunch who care about each other, bunch of guys who are doing it for one another, all the other stuff is zoned out,” Williams added. “You don’t listen to the outside noise, and we haven’t done that since I’ve been here the last four years, and there’s always the noise, whether is starting No. 1 in the nation or whatever adversity we may face.”
