3 things to know about Bishop Gorman’s next opponent Mater Dei

3 things to know about Bishop Gorman’s next opponent Mater Dei Bishop Gorman (3-1), ranked No. 8 nationally by MaxPreps, will meet No. 13 Mater Dei at 7 p.m. Friday in Santa Ana Stadium. Mater Dei finished the previous season with an 8‑3 record, highlighted by a 27‑24 win over Gorman. Although the Monarchs are not projected to contend for a national title or to top the competitive Trinity League in California as they often do, the game remains significant because Bishop Gorman has never beaten Mater Dei, holding an 0‑5 all‑time record against the program. **1. A acquainted face** Gavin Honore completed his junior year with Mater Dei before transferring to Bishop Gorman. According to a Rivals report dated Aug. 17, Honore returned to Mater Dei after Gorman’s opening game because he was not cleared as eligible to play by the NIAA. Listed at 5‑foot‑10 and 180 pounds, Honore has made an immediate impact back with his former team. He is the Monarchs’ starting wide receiver with 16 catches for 2024 yards and 2 touchdowns. His production has been vital after Mater Dei lost its top three receivers from last year—Chris Henry Jr. (Ohio State) and Kayden Dixon‑Wyatt and Mark Bowman (both at USC)—all of whom now play Division I football. Honore is a three‑star recruit with more than 20 Division I offers, including Georgia, Michigan and Texas. In his high school career at Mater Dei he has accumulated 62 catches for 925 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. **2. Lots of new faces** Mater Dei graduated 21 seniors from the squad that defeated Gorman last season. Besides its starting wide receivers, the Monarchs also lost quarterback Ryan Hopkins (Wisconsin), leading rusher Justin Lewis (51.7 yards per game), linebacker Shaun Scott (13.5 sacks) and defensive back CJ Lavender Jr. (seven interceptions). This turnover has produced a fresh group of contributors for the current season. Sophomore running back Asir Nembhard leads Mater Dei, averaging 101 rushing yards per game. The Monarchs have rotated three quarterbacks—Colorado commit Cameron Pooley, freshman Paytyn Guess and junior Russell Sekona. All three saw action in Mater Dei’s most recent contest, a 10‑9 victory over Centennial (Corona, California), during which Sekona scored a rushing touchdown. **3. Strong defense** Mater Dei’s strength lies in its defense. The Monarchs are allowing opponents an average of 17 points per game. Sophomore Isaiah Danns, a newcomer on defense, has recorded two interceptions. Senior Dailon Clanton has emerged as a leader on the opposite side of the line, posting a team‑high five sacks and 6.8 tackles per game. In the win over Centennial, Mater Dei forced three turnovers. Through four games the Monarchs’ defense has generated 10 turnovers and 14 sacks. Up next Who: No. 8 Bishop Gorman (3-1) at No. 13 Mater Dei (California) (4-0) When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: Santa Ana Stadium,