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Mater Dei’s defensive line didn’t feature one of its projected standouts Friday as it faced St. John Bosco and bruising running back Cameron Jones.

The Monarchs again played without nose tackle Kaho Tuihalamaka, an OCVarsity Hot 150 selection who was expected to be one of their most physical returning starters at 6-foot-4 and about 330 pounds.

Tuihalamaka, a senior committed to Arizona, confirmed Tuesday that he transferred to Leuzinger in Lawndale.

The CIF-SS website shows that he made a valid change of residence and was cleared to play for Leuzinger on Sept. 9, the same day the Monarchs played host to Kahuku of Hawaii.

Tuihalamaka, part of the Mater Dei program since his freshman year, has recorded stats in two games for Leuzinger (5-3), according to MaxPreps.

Jones, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound UCLA commit, rushed for 134 yards and a touchdown and caught a 17-yard score in the Braves’ 28-0 victory in the Trinity League showdown. It was the first loss for the Monarchs (7-1), ranked No. 1 in the nation at time.

Mater Dei’s defensive front started senior Zeus Venegas (6-4, 265), junior Semi Taulanga (6-0, 313) and sophomore Tomu Topui (6-3, 315) with junior defensive end Nasir Wyatt near the line of scrimmage.

Recent Oregon commit Aydin Breland (6-5, 295) and senior Kainoa Davis (6-3 285) were part of the Monarchs’ rotation at defensive line.

Taulanga and Davis combined for Mater Dei’s lone sack.

The Monarchs’ defense had been stout before facing the Braves, allowing only 29 points in seven games.

Please send football news to Dan Albano at [email protected] or @ocvarsityguy on X and Instagram

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