#18 Notre Dame Opens With Win Over Defending State Champs

Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, CA) used a rock solid defense to show that it's #18 ranking from USA Today could be legit.

The Knights used four interceptions and a fumble recovery to upend defending Division I champ Canyon 17-7 Friday night in the season opener for both teams. ND also limited Canyon to only 48-yards rushing. One of the defensive stars for Notre Dame was LB Hayden Hunter, who returned an interception 70-yards for a score in the 3rd quarter.

Things are much different for Canyon this year. It was the heading coaching debut for Chris Varner, who takes over for Harry Welsh. Also, the Cowboys are trying to find a replacement for running back J.J. DiLuigi, who scored 82 touchdowns in two years.

For a complete game wrap from the LA Times, please click on our headline "#18 Notre Dame Opens With Win Over Defending State Champs".

#9 Poly (CA) D's It Up Against Glenville (OH)

It's wasn't the offensive shootout that everyone expected when #9 Poly from Long Beach, California took-on Glenville in the Ohio Vs. USA Challenge III on Saturday in Canton. Instead it was a battle of two very good defenses, with Poly taking the honors 21-13.

Glenville actually had the upper hand in offensive yardage with 225 yards in total offensive to the Jackrabbits 200. Poly, which was playing it's first game of the season, is ranked #9 by USA Today. Glenville falls to 1-1 on the season.

For a complete game wrap-up, please click on our headline "#9 Poly D's It Up Against Glenville".

#8 Mater Dei One of the Best Because of Barkley

Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) was ranked #8 in the nation in the USA Today Pre-Season Top 25 High School Football Poll.

The reason? Junior quarterback Matt Barkley, who next week will begin his third season as a starter when Mater Dei faces West Covina.

For those of you, who don't know, Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart played at Mater Dei before moving on to his stellar career at USC. At 6-3, 228 pounds, the straight-A student is the envy of any top college football coach in the country.

To read more about Barkley from a story in the LA Times, please click on our headline "Mater Dei One of the Best Because of Barkley".

Mooney Leaves Temple City

After eight years as the head football coach at Temple City High School, Mike Mooney has resigned. Mooney, who was 61-30-2 with four Rio Hondo League titles, resigned to become an assistant principal at San Marino High. To read more on Mooney's resignation from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, click on our headline "Mooney Leaves Temple City"