Dons establish their domain as top dogs by beating Crusaders

CHULA VISTA —  When it comes down to getting into a physical battle on the football field, not many in San Diego County can stand with Cathedral Catholic.

No. 3 Mater Dei Catholic slugged it out with the top-ranked Dons all night, but the physicality of Cathedral was just too much as the Dons came away with the 28-14 nonleague battle between defending state champions in the opener for both clubs.

“I knew we had to be physical with them, they have so much talent,” said Cathedral Catholic head coach Sean Doyle. “I just told John (Joyner, Mater Dei’s coach) I think we both got too many hurt in this one.”

In their opening two possessions of the night, the 2021 State 1-AA champions had their offense sputter, being held without a first down. It was special teams play which got things going for the Dons.