Stingy Mater Dei Defense Shuts Down Loyola, 31-7

Kyle Spielbuehler returned to quarterback the Loyola offense, but the Cubs were missing their magic touch against Santa Ana Mater Dei.

Under pressure throughout the game, Spielbuehler completed only four of 13 passes for 41 yards as the Cubs tumbled to a 31-7 loss to Mater Dei Friday in the Southern Section Division I quarterfinal game at Cerritos College.

After fielding a high snap, punter Michael Giamtaolo threw a desperation pass, which was intercepted by Byron Schley. Mater Dei scored three plays later on Joey Trampush’s five-yard run to take a 10-0 lead in the second quarter.

Sophomore Scott Walter, the Cubs quarterback of the future, struggled in the first half, completing four of 10 passes for 36 yards with two interceptions. His first interception led to the Monarchs’ second touchdown, a 21-yard pass from quarterback John Flynn to Rod Perry.

Mater Dei’s defensive line shut down Loyola’s running game and put pressure on Loyola quarterbacks.

Spielbuehler, who suffered from a left sprain ankle, became the Cubs quarterback in the second half, but had trouble scrambling. He connected with Dan Farmer on a 39-yard pass play to set up Mark Vanis’ four-yard touchdown run. Vanis rushed for 38 yards in 11 carries.

Flynn completed passes of 48, 21 and 28 yards to Perry to allow the Monarchs to escape fourth-and-long situations.