In one of the press boxes of the stadium, elevated above the main stands and with a direct view of the field, sat the two ESPNU commentators.
In front of them: microphones, headsets, sheets filled with stats, and a small return monitor showing the live broadcast.
[Good evening everyone from Orange, Mission Viejo at Saddleback Stadium, where the atmosphere is just incredible! Mater Dei and Mission Viejo are ready for this semifinal, which promises to be one of the best of the year. My name is Will, and beside me is my partner, Dave,] the announcer said with energetic tone, his voice echoing across televisions nationwide.
[Good evening, everyone,] Dave replied. [I'd actually say this is the most promising semifinal. There are several records that could fall tonight.]
The roar of the crowd grew even louder as the players finally took the field, ready to go, a deafening mix of cheers and whistles. Mater Dei was the visiting team, and it showed: every red-and-white player who stepped onto the turf was met with a wave of boos.
[What records are we talking about? For the folks who might be lost,] Will asked.
[Three, and all focused on Andrew Pritchett-Tucker,] Dave began, as the ESPN cameras followed Andrew jogging with his helmet tucked under his arm.
On screen, his name and stats appeared in the main graphic:
48 total TDs (41 passing / 7 rushing) — 2 INT — 3,375 passing yards — 9 games.
[First record…] Dave continued, [with one touchdown he ties Jimmy Clausen's California state record for a season at the highest level of high school football. With two, he breaks it and sets a new bar. And here's the thing: Clausen played 14 games. Andrew reaches this in 10, counting tonight.]
[Those look like video-game numbers,] Will whistled, genuinely impressed. It looked like a Madden campaign.
[Yes… second,] Dave went on, [if he gets a win tonight, he becomes the first Mater Dei transfer who, in his adaptation year as a junior, takes over the starting job and leads the team to a section final. That's not common. Elite QBs usually start at elite schools as freshmen, get molded in the system for years, and then explode as juniors or seniors.]
[And the last one…] he added with a touch of suspense, [national exposure. With tonight's game, Mater Dei already has three nationally televised games. If they win and reach the final, they could match an incredible mark set by a high-school student… not sure if you know his name, Will.]
Will let out a short laugh. [Go on, you tell me,] he replied, amused, [Though I think his name starts with Le and ends with Bron James.]
Dave smiled. [Exactly. LeBron James. During his time at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, he was the first high-school athlete whose mere presence guaranteed national broadcasts. He had four televised games: one in his junior year and three in his senior year. Mater Dei, with Andrew, already has three. And if they advance to the final… it's obvious ESPN will air it nationwide. No doubt about it. So Andrew could tie his record if he wins this game.]
[It's crazy,] Will said, exhaling in amazement.
Saying ESPN broadcast those games because of LeBron and Andrew wasn't an exaggeration, it was simply the truth.
Even if a team has dozens of players, everyone knew those national broadcasts existed for one single reason: the individual phenomenon each one had created.
With LeBron it had been the same. His games at St. Vincent–St. Mary were televised because of the shockwaves his stats caused, the records he kept breaking, and the collective feeling that everyone was witnessing the birth of a legend in real time. And time ultimately proved that expectation right.
LeBron James was already a fully established superstar: two-time NBA MVP, six-time All-Star, and the centerpiece of an NBA Finals run (2007). Alongside Kobe Bryant, he was the most followed, most broadcast, and most polarizing player on the planet.
However, he was at a turning point. Months earlier, he had left Cleveland, his hometown, to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. He announced it through a live ESPN special: The Decision.
For many, that had been a betrayal, an act of ego and unnecessary spectacle; for others, a strategic decision by a player who finally wanted to win championships.
Now, almost a decade later, Andrew had triggered the same effect in high school football, becoming the first to do so in this sport.
Without Andrew, Mater Dei–Mission Viejo would have been just another regional matchup, broadcast locally by Fox Sports West like any other California semifinal.
And the same goes for the games against St. John Bosco or Servite: important Trinity League matchups, yes, but never of national interest.
The previous year, Mater Dei hadn't had a single nationally televised game and only one regional broadcast. Now, this season, they already had three national broadcasts and two regional ones.
The most surprising part was that not even the school itself had imagined something like this when they decided to offer Andrew an athletic scholarship.
At the time, the athletic administration simply saw in him an exceptional talent who could strengthen the football program.
No one anticipated the media impact he would bring. The decision to choose Andrew had become the best "signing" the institution had made in decades: he hadn't only given them victories, but also prestige, visibility, and money.
[And now, the game truly begins!] exclaimed Will enthusiastically as the cameras focused on midfield, [In just a few seconds we'll find out if all this anticipation translates into history. Mission Viejo fields the opening kickoff, and their offense takes the field!]
Dave took over with a more analytical tone, [Mission Viejo comes in with one of the strongest defenses in the state, a unit that allows fewer than fourteen points per game. But be careful: their offense can also surprise you, especially with their run game, very physical and consistent.]
[Good defense, but Servite's defense had similar stats, and against Mater Dei they still gave up five touchdowns from Pritchett,] Will commented, and Dave couldn't have agreed more. In fact, he saw Servite as stronger and more solid defensively, and that was why they had won last year's section championship, and this year, although they were crushed by Mater Dei, they were currently playing the other semifinal against Long Beach Poly.
The whistle marked the start. Mater Dei's kickoff traveled high and deep. Mission Viejo's returner caught it at the three-yard line and advanced a solid twenty-two yards before being brought down forcefully.
The first drive was intense and tactical. Mission Viejo moved the ball with short passes and inside runs, advancing bit by bit, chewing up the clock. Mater Dei's defense, led by Kevin, held strong without allowing big plays.
A little over three minutes passed before the drive stalled at the opposing twenty-eight yard line. The crowd, mostly rooting for Mission Viejo, roared as their kicker prepared to attempt the field goal, losing another down meant losing possession.
[Clean snap… the kick is up… and it's good! Right down the middle!] narrated Will as the ball sailed through the uprights.
The local crowd's ovation filled the stadium as the giant screen updated the score: Mission Viejo 3 – Mater Dei 0.
[And there you have it,] Will added, [It's not a touchdown, but opening the scoring in a semifinal like this is a massive emotional boost. Mission Viejo takes the lead!]
In games where the total scoring usually ranges from 14 to 25 points, getting a field goal early is starting off on the right foot.
The scoreboard read 3–0, and the noise from the stands kept echoing as Mater Dei's offense entered the field.
After Mater Dei's kick return, which was ordinary, the offensive series began, led by Andrew, who lined up with the same calmness that always characterized him.
[And now we'll see the response from Mater Dei's phenomenon,] Will announced with anticipation, [If there's one thing we know about him, it's that he doesn't need much time to light up the scoreboard.]
[Exactly,] Dave added, [His most characteristic drives last about two minutes, sometimes even less. If he finds his rhythm early, we might see him tie Clausen before the end of the first quarter.]
Andrew opened the drive with a series of quick passes, securing rhythm and precision. Mission Viejo's defense, fueled by the roar of the home crowd, held strong, pressuring on every play.
For the first time in a long while, Andrew seemed to be measuring his decisions more carefully compared to the Lakewood and Crespi games.
There was no early explosiveness, instead, everything was more calculated and controlled.
The clock kept running. The drive extended longer than usual, almost four minutes, with Andrew completing intermediate passes and alternating runs with Nick.
But when they approached the red zone, Mission Viejo's wall held firm.
Dave commented as the team lined up for the kick,
[And this is something we don't see very often. Pritchett-Tucker usually closes drives with touchdowns, but Mission Viejo's defense is playing with impressive intensity. They've managed to force him to settle for the field goal.]
The kicker got into position, and a brief silence fell.
[Snap, good hold… the kick is down the middle… and it's good! Mater Dei ties it!] narrated Will.
The scoreboard updated: 3–3.
Curiously, Mission Viejo's fans celebrated wildly, as if the tie were a victory.
Stopping Andrew in the red zone, forcing him into three points instead of seven or eight, was something to be proud of.
Seven minutes of the first quarter had already passed, and the home offense returned to the field. The clock advanced with short, effective plays. Mission Viejo once again moved the chains with patience, leaning on their run game and minor defensive mistakes. After three and a half minutes of possession, the drive ended with another field goal.
6–3, read the giant screen.
On the visiting sideline, Mater Dei's defensive coordinator yelled in frustration, waving his play sheet. Beside him, Bruce, the veteran head coach, watched with a stern expression.
With less than two minutes left, Mater Dei's offense had the task of advancing over 70 yards to reach the red zone.
Before Andrew entered the field, Bruce stopped him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Play calmly, son," he said in a low but firm voice. "We don't need a touchdown in a minute or less, we need control."
Bruce trusted his quarterback more than anyone. He knew Andrew was cerebral and immune to pressure, at least in everything Bruce had seen during training.
But he also knew his competitive instinct. If Andrew got desperate to tie Clausen's record before the end of the first quarter, he might force a dangerous play, throw a rushed pass, or risk an interception.
Andrew nodded. "I know, coach. I won't do anything crazy…" he said, and Bruce let him go.
'Unless I see the opportunity…' Andrew thought, but it was better not to tell Bruce that.
The drive began calmly. Short passes to the sidelines, controlled runs, and a steady pace. In just over a minute, Mater Dei had already advanced about 30 yards, securing ground without risks, though accomplishing that wasn't easy for an average quarterback.
The clock hit the final 20 seconds of the first quarter; it seemed there wouldn't be enough time to cover the remaining 40 yards.
[Final seconds of the first quarter, and Mater Dei is staying in rhythm, advancing intelligently under Pritchett's command. Everything points to them waiting for the second quarter to go for the end zone,] narrated Will.
On the field, Andrew lined up behind the center.
"Set… hut!"
The ball reached his hands cleanly. The linemen collided with force; the pocket remained solid, but after three, almost four, seconds, a defender managed to break through on the right side.
Andrew saw him coming. Instead of throwing a safe short pass, he rolled out of the pocket to his left.
The defender lunged, and Andrew dodged him with an elegant sidestep, keeping his eyes downfield. Another defender dove at him, and Andrew spun on his axis, escaping contact.
[Look at that spin move! Another defender left on the ground!]
In that moment, he lifted his eyes and saw Víctor breaking free down the middle of the field.
Andrew released his arm in one fluid motion, and the ball traveled more than 35 yards through the air before dropping perfectly into Victor's hands, who crossed the goal line untouched.
[Touchdown, Mater Dei!] Will shouted from the booth, [An unbelievable play! Andrew Pritchett-Tucker, escaping the pressure, launches a deep pass and ties Jimmy Clausen's record right before the end of the first quarter!]
The stadium exploded.
The red sections of Mater Dei, and a good portion of the neutral crowd, fans of Andrew's channel who had come just to watch him play, rose from their seats in a deafening ovation.
Mater Dei's cheerleaders, led by Madison, began celebrating wildly, while the players on the sideline jumped, clapped, and yelled his name.
Even the coaches joined in the celebration, though more calmly.
"That's how you do it, baby!" yelled Rick, the offensive coordinator, with a huge grin, high-fiving the assistants and giving Bruce a pat on the back. Bruce stayed more composed, though a contained smile betrayed him.
The extra point was good.
Mission Viejo 6 – Mater Dei 10.
[Mater Dei takes the lead, and the first quarter comes to an end,] Will announced, as Andrew's stats appeared on the giant screen, [There it is! Forty-nine touchdowns, tying Jimmy Clausen's legendary mark. Did you expect that deep pass when it looked like he was playing calmly?]
Dave let out a small laugh, still surprised, [No, but with players like him, you can never assume anything. Just when you think they're going to stick to the script, they change everything and do something extraordinary, just like this.]
The broadcast showed the replay from several angles: the spin move, the pressure, the escape, and the perfect throw. The crowd roared with each shot.
Meanwhile, Andrew jogged back to the sideline. Bruce was waiting with his arms crossed as Andrew removed his helmet.
Andrew approached with a playful grin. "I saw an opportunity, coach," he said, half-apologizing, "And… well, I couldn't let it slip."
Bruce looked at him for a few seconds in silence, then let out a short laugh and gave him a firm slap on the back. "You didn't see it, Andrew. You created it."
"You bastard!" Nick shouted, wrapping an arm around him and laughing loudly. "I almost had a heart attack when you dodged that guy by inches!"
Andrew laughed, and the rest of the sideline piled on him to congratulate him with friendly hits and laughter.
The second quarter began, and Mission Viejo got the ball. This time, however, Mater Dei's defense responded. The gaps closed, the coverages tightened, and the linebackers attacked as if injected with pure adrenaline. In only four minutes, they forced a punt.
The visiting crowd erupted as Mater Dei's offense came out again. Andrew strapped on his helmet, took a breath, and ran onto the field. They had the chance to extend the lead.
The drive began smoothly. Short passes, smart runs, and then a bomb that took them directly into the red zone.
The clock showed just over eight minutes played in the second quarter when Mater Dei lined up at the 25-yard line.
"Set, hut!" Andrew called, and the ball reached his hands.
[The ball goes to Pritchett, he drops back, he's leaving the pocket again! One, two, three defenders avoided! Four! And he throws! The pass goes high to number 80… he catches it! Touchdown for Mater Dei!]
[Fifty touchdowns, the inevitable has happened,] Dave commented.
[He surpasses Jimmy Clausen's mark and becomes the player with the most touchdowns in a season at the California elite level!] Will shouted, [And we are probably witnessing the greatest individual season by a quarterback in the history of high school football!]
Andrew ran to the end zone to celebrate with Sedric and the others. This time, he allowed himself a more intense celebration: jumps, hugs, smiles, helmets clashing amid shouted joy. It wasn't just another touchdown, this was history.
As the euphoria began to settle and his teammates stepped aside, Andrew turned toward one of the ESPN cameras zoomed in on him.
Then, he slowly brought his index finger to his lips in a clear shushing gesture.
A simple gesture, but the message was unmistakable.
[Was that… a message?] Will asked, holding back the excitement, [For the Mission Viejo crowd that's been booing him, or do you think it was for Jimmy Clausen, after his comments this week?]
Dave answered with a half-smile, [Probably the second. He never responds to the crowd, we've seen him get booed in every away game, Bosco fans yelled at him for half a game, and he never told anyone to be quiet.]
The replay showed the gesture in slow motion as the record graphic appeared on screen:
50 TDs – New State Record (CIF Division 1)
While the crowd roared, Andrew walked calmly toward the two-point line. The play was clean, and Mater Dei converted.
Mission Viejo 3 – Mater Dei 18.
The home defense, which until that moment had not allowed more than 14 points in any game all season, had just lost that statistic, and only two quarters had passed.
With just over a minute remaining, Mission Viejo kept possession until halftime, unable to create any real danger.
The third quarter began with renewed energy: Mission Viejo finally found some space and, after a strong offensive series, scored their first touchdown of the night. They went for the two-point conversion, knowing that failing to do so would make it even harder to keep up with Mater Dei, but they missed.
Mission Viejo 9 – Mater Dei 18.
Andrew's response was immediate. In barely two minutes and a few seconds, he led a lightning-fast drive ending in his third touchdown of the night and a successful extra-point conversion.
Mission Viejo 9 – Mater Dei 25.
His personal total now reached 51 touchdowns on the season.
On the next series, Mater Dei's defense asserted itself again, forcing a punt. Andrew got the ball back and, before the third quarter ended, threw his fourth touchdown of the game, followed by a two-point conversion that widened the gap.
[Mission Viejo 9 – Mater Dei 33,] Will announced as the cameras focused on the visiting sideline, [And it looks like Bruce Rollinson has decided to protect his star quarterback.]
Dave nodded, watching Andrew remove his helmet and high-five his teammates before sitting beside the coaches, [A smart decision. With the defense Mission Viejo has, there's no point in risking him. Andrew has done his job: four touchdowns, a new state record, and a spot in the final secured. There's nothing left to prove tonight.]
[Exactly,] Will continued, [Now coming in is senior Max Wittek, a four-star prospect. We'll see how he handles closing out the game, but with a lead of more than twenty points and only twelve minutes left, it's, if not impossible, very close to impossible for Mission Viejo to come back.]
The fourth quarter resumed with a slower pace. Wittek commanded a pair of controlled drives, prioritizing time of possession and avoiding mistakes. Mission Viejo, for its part, tried at least to soften the score, but ran into the same aggressive defense that had stopped them all night.
With just over two minutes left, the home team scored a field goal that drew a few applause from their supporters, more out of respect than hope.
On the final possession, Mater Dei answered with a field goal of its own, widening the margin even further.
The clock hit zero, and Will closed the broadcast with contained excitement:
[Final score: Mission Viejo 12 – Mater Dei 36. Total dominance by the Monarchs, who not only advance to the section final, but do so on a historic night. Andrew Pritchett-Tucker breaks Clausen's record by three touchdowns and shows once again why he is the biggest name in high school football across the entire country,] Will announced.
Dave took the microphone, almost with a smile that could be heard in his voice.
[Y with this, Mater Dei returns to a section final after eight years. The last time was in 2002, when they lost to Long Beach Poly. Curious… or maybe destiny…] he paused briefly, checking information coming in at the last moment, [It has just been confirmed that Long Beach Poly won their game, played simultaneously with this one. They defeated Servite 28 to 20.]
Will reacted immediately, [Then it's all set. The Southern Section final will be Mater Dei versus Long Beach Poly! A rematch eight years in the making.]
The semifinal had come to an end, and after long years, Mater Dei had finally reached another final in the toughest section of the state.
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