HIGH SCHOOLS / ERIC SONDHEIMER - Summer showing makes Mater Dei a fall favorite

It doesn't mean the Monarchs are invincible or a lock to win their first major-division Southern Section championship since 1999.

But they will start out with all the ingredients needed to succeed.

What Coach Bruce Rollinson has clearly accomplished in the off-season is to improve Mater Dei's overall strength and speed. As a passing tournament team, the Monarchs were the most consistent because of their experience at quarterback and receiver.

Matt Barkley, entering his junior season, could end up being the next Jimmy Clausen, meaning he's going to be heralded as the top quarterback prospect in the nation for 2008. His big advantage is having a quality group of receivers, led by his cousin, Robbie Boyer.

"Barkley has completely mastered the offense, and he's having fun," Rollinson said. "I like the fact he knows it's his offense and kids look for his leadership."

Of course, passing tournaments don't allow tackling, and once the pads go on next month, the players up front start to matter. And the Monarchs are solid on the offensive and defensive lines. Offensive tackle Khaled Holmes and defensive end Cameron Meredith are two of the best at their position.

"We like what's back in the stable," Rollinson said.

A real summer discovery is how good defensive back Andrew Abbott has become.

The secret weapon, though, that can save the Monarchs in the expected big games of the Trinity League and the anticipated showdown during the Pac-5 Division playoffs with Long Beach Poly is kicker Patrick Duffy.

Duffy is ranked as the No. 1 kicker in the Southland by kicking guru Chris Sailer. He was absent from summer competitions, but his presence offers an insurance policy for the Monarchs, who open their season Sept. 7 against West Covina.

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Long Beach Poly is the team that improved the most from the opening passing tournament weekend in June, and it is a scary thought, as Coach Raul Lara warned, that the Jackrabbits might be able to pass the ball on a consistent basis.

But the Jackrabbits don't have a big-time running back, and junior quarterback Morgan Fennell still must prove himself as a decision maker when people are rushing him.