LA MESALA MESA — Mater Dei Catholic looked in midseason form, oozing talent and speed and a swarming defense.
Helix appeared as if it was playing spring ball, desperately searching for a quarterback to replace a superstar.
The result was a convincing 19-2 victory for No. 8-ranked Mater Dei over No. 4 Helix on Friday night at Jim Arnaiz Field.
“There is no shock in my body,” coach John Joyner told his Crusaders after their first game. “This is exactly what I expect of you guys.”
Trevor Appelman, a 6-foot-6 senior quarterback, threw for 184 yards and three first-half touchdowns to guide Mater Dei, which was playing Helix for the first time.
“We took care of business in the first half, and the defense was awesome throughout the game,” he said. “It feels great. We’ve been waiting a long time to showcase our skills. We know we’re one of the top teams in the county.”
The Crusaders limited Helix, the 2019 Open Division champion, to 108 rushing yards and 121 total yards.
“I’ve been dreaming about this moment for a long time,” said sophomore linebacker Vincent Friend, who had a pair of bone-crushing sacks (his first two on varsity). “It feels amazing.”
Mauricio Reyes and Brian Dukes each had an interception and Asiel Rodriguez a fumble recovery as Mater Dei came within 6 seconds of a shutout but lost out when a punt snap sailed out of the end zone.
Junior tailback Christian Washington led Helix with 117 rushing yards on 25 carries, but they were tough yards aided by a 35-yard gain. The Scotties were held to 145 total yards in a loss last week against St. Augustine, giving Helix back-to-back home losses for the first time in over 20 years.
“They’ve got talent,” Helix coach Robbie Owens said. “We’ve got 12 guys who would have been starters for us in the fall not in the program. We’ve got 18 freshmen and sophomores getting significant playing time.”
One of those missing is Tyler Buchner, who had transferred to Helix after an epic run at Bishop’s only to graduate in December and move on to Notre Dame as one of the most highly touted QBs in the nation.
Several other Division I recruits opted out of their senior year.
“The biggest thing we’re telling the guys is we have to play for the seniors and get better for the fall,” Owens said.
Appelman (9 of 20) had the hot hand early, tossing for 177 yards and three TDs in the first half. His first spark was a nice lob down the sideline that Raymond Romero turned into a 61-yard gain that set up a 29-yard scoring to Chris Snyder.
In the second quarter, Appelman hit Darren Barkins for 15 yards over the middle, and Barkins turned to race for a 49-yard score to make it 13-0.
On a fourth-and-10, Appelman fired a bullet to Jacob Cannon for a 30-yard TD and a 19-0 halftime lead.
“Trevor was tremendous,” Joyner said. “He made some really nice decisions, even on plays that went nowhere.
“And we’ve got a couple of guys who are freaks. They’re going to make some plays once they get the ball.”
Lindgren is a freelance writer.
MATER DEI 19, HELIX 2
Mater Dei Catholic 6 13 0 0 — 19
Helix 0 0 0 2 — 2
MD — Snyder 29 from Appelman (kick failed)
MD — Barkins 49 from Appelman (Romero kick)
MD — Cannon 30 from Appelman (kick failed)
H — Safety, punt snapped out of the end zone
