Photos: It was a magical year for Mater Dei football; a look at what the champions did

Mater Dei players celebrate after capturing the state open division title. (Photos Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

It was a season that Mater Dei High football fans will always remember as the Monarchs marched to the CIF Division 1 and state open division titles under Coach Bruce Rollinson. Rollinson celebrated his 300th career victory.

To see photos from the state title game, please click on the first photo

Mater Dei’s Bru McCoy holds the CIF state open division championship trophy as Coach Bruce Rollinson celebrates.

Mater Dei captains (from left) Glenn Harper, Steele Dubar, Mike Martinez and Bru McCoy head for the coin toss.

Glenn Harper carries the ball for the Monarchs.

Mater Dei fans cheer on their team during the state title game.

Coach Bruce Rollinson celebrates the state title with Glenn Harper.

Mater Dei quarterback Bryce Young drops back to pass.

OC Sports Zone was on hand to cover several of Mater Dei’s big games with stories and pictures.

In December, quarterback Bryce Young led the Monarchs to a 35-21 victory over De La Salle in the state open division title game at Cerritos College to clinch the second state title for Mater Dei. In November, Mater Dei topped St. John Bosco 17-13 at Cerritos College for its 11th CIF title and second straight crown.

Mater Dei’s quest for more crowns begin Friday when the Monarchs host Centennial of Corona at 7:30 p.m. at the Santa Ana Stadium. Fox Sports West will carry the game live.

Coach Bruce Rollinson’s team, led by quarterback Bryce Young, is ranked first in the CIF pre-season Division 1-2 poll. The Monarchs are also rated first in the Orange County Register’s pre-season poll. Centennial Corona is ranked third in the Division 1-2 poll.

Mater Dei defeated Centennial 48-14 in the semifinal round of the CIF playoffs last year.

Before another season begins, we thought it was a good time to look back at the two biggest games in 2018 for Mater Dei.

Here are the two biggest games. Just click on the links for more photos and the game stories.

Mater Dei captures CIF title defeating St. John Bosco

Monarchs defeat De La Salle 35-21 to capture state crown

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com