St. Thomas Aquinas surged in the second half but Mater Dei held on for a 26-23 victory in a clash of nationally-ranked teams in the Broward County Showcase. Mater Dei, ranked No. 1 in the nation, led No. 10 St. Thomas Aquinas 26-3 at halftime.

In the second quarter, Mater Dei quarterback Ryan Hopkins went 7 of 9 for 228 yards with touchdown throws of 22, 62 and 81 yards.

It only took an extra 90 minutes to wait for, but the Broward County Classic High School Football Showcase’s premier matchup between Mater Dei and St. Thomas Aquinas took place Saturday evening. If there was more time on the clock,