After a pair of tough losses to open the season, Cathedral Catholic football delivered the kind of performance it had been looking for Friday night.

The Dons scored early and often, rolling to a 63-0 shutout of Mater Dei Catholic in Chula Vista. Cathedral scored in every quarter, including three touchdowns in both the second and third quarters, and finished with nine touchdowns on the night.

The win moves the Dons to 1-2 on the season and provides a much-needed spark after a challenging start.

Quarterback Koa Smith-Mayall directed the offensive attack with an efficient night through the air, completing 10 of 13 passes for 203 yards and four touchdowns. His longest completion went for 36 yards, and he finished with a 125.8 quarterback rating. Smith-Mayall added another touchdown on the ground, breaking loose for a 60-yard rushing score on his only carry of the night.

Isaac Cook was a major weapon in the passing game, catching four passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns, including a 36-yard reception. Honor Fa’alave-Johnson added four receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown while also rushing twice for 57 yards.

Fa’alave-Johnson and Cook led the Dons with 103 and 101 all-purpose yards, respectively. Willie Flores added 56 rushing yards on seven carries, while Alex Voils and Gianluca Busalacchi each hauled in a touchdown pass.

While the offense produced plenty of fireworks, the Cathedral defense was equally impressive, holding Mater Dei Catholic scoreless throughout the night.

Talisin Burton Jr. led the Dons with 14 total tackles, including seven solo stops and seven tackles for loss. Senior Kevin Clark was right behind him with 12 tackles, seven solo, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and two quarterback hurries.

Joseph Carlson recorded 11 total tackles, including six solo tackles and one tackle for loss. Ryder Molchanoff added five tackles and was particularly disruptive in the backfield with three tackles for loss and two sacks.

The Dons also came up with a takeaway when Noah Lauifi intercepted a pass to help preserve the shutout.

For Cathedral, the 63-point outburst was more than just a big number on the scoreboard. After two difficult games to begin the season, the Dons put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball and earned their first win of the year.

The Dons will look to build on Friday’s momentum when they hit the road for another big test against Helix on Friday, September 18. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. as Cathedral looks to make it two straight wins and continue its early-season climb.