The Holy Bowl

by Isai Gutierrez

Published August 31st, 2025

STOCKTON – Central Catholic of Modesto looked ready to snap St. Mary’s recent dominance in the Holy Bowl through the first half, but the Rams’ speed and depth proved too much after halftime.

Led by UCLA commit Kenneth Moore III and a balanced offensive attack, St. Mary’s exploded for 31 second-half points to pull away for a 52-28 win Friday night in front of a packed house at Sanguinetti Field. It was the Rams’ fourth straight victory in the storied rivalry.

Moore did a little of everything for St. Mary’s. The senior finished with 210 all-purpose yards, catching six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, rushing for 68 yards and another score, and returning a punt 46 yards. He was one of several weapons quarterback Jaden Galvan spread the ball to, throwing for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

The Rams’ ground game was just as effective. Diego Hernandez rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown, while Jeremiah Brown added 41 yards and two scores. Senior Ivan Huerta caught five passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. St. Mary’s finished with 422 total yards of offense and scored more than 50 points for the second straight week.

Central Catholic had early answers behind quarterback Kayden McHenry and receiver Chase Perino. McHenry completed 18 of 29 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns, with Perino hauling in 10 catches for 169 yards and all three scores. Running back Isaiah Faagata opened the game with a two-yard touchdown run as the Raiders took early leads of 7-0 and 14-7.

The Raiders even led 22-21 at halftime, but the second half belonged to St. Mary’s. The Rams scored 24 unanswered points to build a 45-22 lead before sealing the win with a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown by Moses Alexander. Defensively, senior lineman Jake Lucatello had 11 tackles and two sacks, while linebacker Ryan Lozano and defensive back Mason Eagal each added seven tackles.

With the win, St. Mary’s improved to 2-0 and continued its offensive surge, scoring 103 points through its first two games. Central Catholic, now 0-2, showed progress despite missing key players, including Sacramento State commit Carter Meeks, who is worked through a hamstring injury. Next up, the Rams host Marin Catholic of Kentfield, while Central Catholic hosts Central Catholic of Portland, Oregon.