There was a scramble to the St. Monica record books last weekend after the Mariners defeated Animo of Inglewood, 31-0 in a non-league football game.
It was the first shutout for St. Monica since 2002 and the first home win since 2005. In addition, a 100-yard interception return by Danny White was the longest in school history.
Although St. Monica lost its season opener to Mary Star, 53-46, the team is living up to Coach Larry Muno’s pre-season analysis. He said then the talent level had significantly improved but cautioned against being overly optimistic about the opener because Mary Star was strong.
Against a weaker second game opponent St. Monica dominated while playing at home away from home, St. Bernard High.
“On our second possession we had a long scoring drive and when Animo tried to run we shut them down,” said Muno.
Muno praised three receivers, White, Kyle Farber and Sam Holguin. However, Holguin suffered a sprained ankle and is unlikely to play Saturday night, when St. Monica plays Laguna Beach at Corsair Field. It’s the first of three home games to be played on SMC’s Field Turf.
Quarterback Matthew Partyka, in his second varsity game, directed the offense.
Muno said Ernesto Cinicerios and Chris Corbally were exceptional on defense.
