Marin Catholic beats Mayfair 38-18: Live update recap — Wildcats win second state title
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA — It's tough to envision a better start to a game than what Marin Catholic put forward on Saturday night.
The Wildcats scored touchdowns on each of their first two offensive snaps and cruised to a 38-18 victory over Mayfair in the CIF State 3-A title at El Camino College.
Marin Catholic scored on six of their seven first half possessions and didn't allow Mayfair to pick up a first down until their third offensive series.
Senior standout Charles Williams keyed the Wildcats hot start with punt returns across midfield to set up the first two touchdowns. Marin Catholic quarterback Peter Macaulay called his own number, scoring on a 21-yard touchdown run for the first touchdown and connected with Braiden Bachich-Dixon on a 46-yard touchdown less than two minutes later.
Macaulay finished the night 13 of 24 passing for 328 yards and three touchdowns.
Mayfair's two best drives came on back-to-back possessions in the second quarter. Jeremiah Calvin connected with Sean James Jonas for the Monsoons first touchdown and Ryan Heredia rushed in from 14 yards for the second touchdown but each time Marin Catholic was able to respond.
The Wildcats opened the second half with an 84-yard drive in just under three minutes, capped by an eight-yard Charles Williams touchdown run. Williams would finish the night with 288 all-purpose yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and two impactful punt returns in his final high school football game.
Marin Catholic's defense remained dominant in the second half, allowing four second half points to the Monsoons. Two poor snaps by Marin Catholic on fourth quarter punts resulted in safeties.
After losing in the CIF State title game in 2009 and 2012, Marin Catholic has now captured titles in two of the past three seasons, beating Central Valley Christian for the 4-AA championship in 2021.
Full box score from Marin Catholic's 38-18 win over Mayfair
Courtesy CIF
PREGAME: North Coast Section Division 3 champion Marin Catholic takes on Southern Section Division 7 champion Mayfair in the CIF State 3-A championship game at El Camino College.
Mayfair enters Saturday's championship having won six straight games, scoring 31 points or more in each game. The Monsoons rolled past San Diego Section Division 4 champion Mount Miguel 52-21 in last week's regional bowl game.
Marin Catholic's lone loss came against San Marin in early November. The Wildcats have bounced back with four straight wins and have scored 24 points or more in all 13 victories this season. They snuck past McClymonds 35-28 in last week's regional bowl game.
Mayfair is playing in their first state title game while Marin Catholic is looking to improve on their 1-2 record in state championships.
(Refresh for the latest updates.)
LIVE UPDATES BELOW
Kickoff set for 7 p.m. ...
FOURTH QUARTER
- Mayfair turns the ball over on downs with 3:20 to play.
Marin Catholic 38, Mayfair 18 (5:40) — Another botched snap on a Marin Catholic punt leads to another safety. Mayfair will need to find three touchdowns in the final minutes to keep hope alive.
- Charles Williams just snagged an overthrown pass by Mayfair for his 11th interception of the season. The Wildcats lead 38-16 with seven minutes left to play.
Marin Catholic 38, Mayfair 16 (8:19) — Mayfair attempted to punt from their own 13-yard line but the snap sailed over the punter's head and went through the end zone for a safety.
- Marin Catholic's defensive line continues to cause problems. Another sack leaves Mayfair with a 4th down and 13 in their own territory.
- Marin Catholic will open the final quarter facing 3rd down and 17 from the Mayfair 35-yard line.
THIRD QUARTER
- Mayfair forced Marin Catholic to punt for the first time all night but were unable to do anything with it, punting the ball back to Marin Catholic.
Marin Catholic 38, Mayfair 14 (9:20) — Charles Williams ran around the right side for an eight-yard touchdown. Marin Catholic's offense is cruising tonight.
SECOND QUARTER
- Marin Catholic's final drive of the first half ends as the clock runs out on the second quarter.
Marin Catholic 32, Mayfair 14 (2:04) — Peter Macaulay connects with Braiden Bachich-Dixon for a 39-yard touchdown. 2-point conversion was no good. The Wildcats have scored on all six first half possessions.
Marin Catholic 26, Mayfair 14 (3:45) — Mayfair has found an offensive rhythm. Ryan Heredia scampers up the middle for a 13-yard touchdown.
Marin Catholic 26, Mayfair 7 (7:59) — Marin Catholic needed less than a minute to respond. Peter Macaulay tossed a screen pass to Charles Williams who took it 45 yards for a touchdown.
Marin Catholic 19, Mayfair 7 (8:35) — The Monsoons are on the board. Jeremiah Calvin connects with Sean James Jonas for a 55-yard touchdown.
Marin Catholic 19, Mayfair 0 (11:19) — Marin Catholic's drive gets pushed back but they are able to knock in a 36-yard field goal.
FIRST QUARTER
- The first quarter ends with Marin Catholic reaching the Mayfair 11-yard line.
- Mayfair's best drive of the night ends with a Charles Williams interception. His 10th interception of the year gives the Wildcats the ball at the Mayfair 43-yard line.
Marin Catholic 16, Mayfair 0 (4:00) — Marin Catholic quickly moved the ball into the red zone thanks to a 57-yard catch and run by Charles Williams but had to settle for a field goal.
Marin Catholic 13, Mayfair 0 (7:49) — Marin Catholic has run two plays and scored two touchdowns. Quarterback Peter Macaulay connected with senior Braiden Bachich-Dixon for a 46-yard touchdown strike. PAT no good.
Marin Catholic 7, Mayfair 0 (9:35) — Quarterback Peter Macaulay called his own number on the first play of the game and went 21 yards to the game's opening touchdown.
- Mayfair went three and out on their opening drive. Marin Catholic's Charles Williams returned the punt to the Mayfair 36-yard line and got 15 extra yards with a facemask penalty.
-- Bodie De Silva | bodie@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveca
(All photos by Nick Koza for SBLive Sports)
Photo: Nick Koza
Latest High School Sports News
