St. Monica completed seven passes in its 21-7 loss to Mary Star Friday and junior Anthony Flores caught every one.
“They can’t cover him,’’ said Coach Jason Strouse. “Anthony runs good routes and has great hands.”
The passes were thrown by David Areilo, another junior. He was seven for 15 for 181 yards and one completion went to Flores for an 81-yard touchdown.
St. Monica (1-6) had a 7-6 halftime lead but Mary Star took the second half kickoff and drove to a touchdown.
“It was a tough loss,” said Strouse. “I thought at halftime we were going to win. We’ve made some progress.
“Mary Star tries to accomplish many of the things St. Monica does in the community and there’s mutual respect.”
St. Monica was without leading rusher Vince Valdez, who has a separated shoulder. Earlier this season he missed three games with a kidney ailment.
Strouse praised Jon Parks, who had 10 tackles.
“He’s one of the best defensive players in our league and also an A student,” said Strouse.
“Parks and Kevin Lew give us outstanding leadership.”On Friday St. Monica will be home (at St. Bernard High) against Malibu.
