Los Alamitos’ Defense Turns the Tables : Prep football: Griffins hold on to beat Mater Dei, 23-14, and erase memories of last year’s semifinal loss to the Monarchs.

One last time, Los Alamitos High School’s defense trudged onto the field at Long Beach Veterans Stadium Friday night. One last time, it was asked to stop Mater Dei’s offense.

This time, though, it was more like a curtain call.

With 45 seconds left, the Griffins had already accomplished what they failed to do a year ago in the Southern Section Division I playoffs. They had a 23-14 victory over the Monarchs in their grasp and this time they weren’t letting go.

The Griffins, known for their playground offense, will face Loyola in the semifinals.

“Everybody talks about our offense,” defensive lineman Brent Cooper said. “We get ignored. I keep telling the guys on defense to keep doing their jobs, even though we’re no-names.”

Cooper and the defense took center stage. Mater Dei (10-2) had chances in the second half, plenty of them. The Monarchs had the ball inside the Los Alamitos 30-yard on three consecutive possessions. All it got them was a pair of missed field goals by Mike Fishbeck.

Defensive back Dave Bacani prevented touchdowns three times by tipping passes away in the end zone. Ife Ohalete ended another threat by intercepting a Nick Stremick pass.

Finally, it was left to Cooper, who knocked down a fourth-down pass by Stremick, ending the Monarchs’ last serious threat.

“I’ve been waiting a whole year for this,” Cooper said.

A year ago, the Monarchs rallied from a 10-point deficit with five minutes left to beat Los Alamitos, 28-24, in the semifinals, ending the Griffins’ 47-game unbeaten streak. Mater Dei then went on to win the section title.

Los Alamitos (11-1), which had nine returning starters on defense, again built a double-digit lead, only to see it nearly wilt. Los Alamitos led, 16-0, at halftime.

Mater Dei linebacker Zach Pricer returned an interception 18 yards for a touchdown on the second play of the half. The Monarchs then drove 85 yards on their next possession, with James Farley scoring on a one-yard run.

But the Griffins didn’t crumble.

Stremick picked on Bacani twice on the Monarchs’ next drive, only to have the 5-foot-8 cornerback knock the ball away. Bacani also deflected a pass away on the Monarchs’ last drive.

Mater Dei, which gained 379 yards rushing against the Griffins last season, was held to 70 yards this time.

Los Alamitos running back Ryan Gragnano gained 75 yards rushing, caught three passes for 48 yards and scored on runs of nine, nine and one yards and set up a field goal with a 24-yard pass reception.