The most deserving team won this game

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Santa Ana Stadium is now dark, but there is definitely a glow around the players from Orange Lutheran.

The Lancers won, 31-12, and the right team won. Orange Lutheran won every aspect of this Trinity League game against host Mater Dei, the top ranked team in the Southland, according to The Times. The 11th-ranked Lancers were better on offense, better on defense and better on special teams.

They outgained the Monarchs only 328 to 321, but time of possession really told the tale: Orange Lutheran held the ball ball for 31 minutes 21 seconds to Mater Dei’s 16:39.

The Lancers made two interceptions, had a fumble recovery and recovered an onside kick. They didn’t commit any turnovers.

Maybe most impressive, though, was that they converted 12 of 17 third-down attempts and both of their fourth-down attempts.

Quarterback Blake Hyepock was 19 of 30 for 198 yards with touchdown passes of four and 14 yards to Blake Ayles. The more celebrated signal-caller, Monarch junior Matt Barkley, was 22 of 37 for 263 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

-- Martin Henderson