CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES AT A GLANCE : DIVISION I

Mater Dei (13-0) vs. Long Beach Poly (13-0)

7:30 P.M. SATURDAY

THE COLISEUM

Some team’s dynasty will be defined tonight in what figures to be one of the best games of the season. Mater Dei is defending Division I champion, has a 27-game winning streak, and seeks to become the first team to win consecutive Division I championships since the divisions were formed in 1988. It would also be the Monarchs’ fourth title in the decade. Long Beach Poly, seeking its first title since 1985 when it was a co-champion with Edison in the Big Five Conference, is loaded with juniors; win or lose tonight, the Jackrabbits will probably be the favorites to win it all next year. Mater Dei’s offense balances the power running of tailback Mike McNair (2,527 yards, 32 touchdowns) with the passing of quarterback John Leonard (2,330 yards, 21 touchdowns). But Poly is the quickest, most complete team the Monarchs have faced this season. Poly quarterback Chris Lewis can give the ball to 1,000-yard rushers Larry Croom and Herman Ho-Ching or he can throw to four speedy receivers.

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KEY PLAYERS

Mater Dei

WR Joey Boese

55 rec. 972 yds., 11 TDs

QB John Leonard

2,330 yds., 21 TDs

TE Ismael Lopez

17 rec., 347 yds. 8 TDs

RB Mike McNair

2,527 yds., 32 TDs

WR Alex Romero

27 rec., 632 yds., 8 TDs

Long Beach Poly

RB Larry Croom

1,204 yds., 27 TDs

RB Herman Ho-Ching

1,411 yds., 26 TDs

DE Ryan Iata

11 sacks

WR Kareem Kelly

37 rec., 521 yds, 10 TDs

QB Chris Lewis

2,624 yds., 29 TDs