Mater Dei transfer to vie for Tars’ QB job

Quarterback Hayden Greene, a junior transfer from Mater Dei High, attended the first day of summer football practice at Newport Harbor Monday.

Greene is expected to compete for the starting job with juniors Andrew McDonald and Adrian Lukes, as well as senior Justin Jones.

Greene was the starting quarterback for Mater Dei’s sophomore team last season.

Sailors Coach Jeff Brinkley said he hasn’t had the chance to do much of an evaluation.

“Hayden just came in today, so I don’t really know what his strengths are,” said Brinkley, who said Andrew McDonald was the starter coming out of spring ball. “We’re very happy with what we got out of our quarterbacks this spring, and the first passing league game Andrew MacDonald threw the ball extremely well, so it should be great competition with McDonald, Justin Jones, Adrian Lukes, and Hayden.”

Mater Dei Coach Bruce Rollinson said Greene’s parents made the decision to transfer.

“Hayden is a physically strong kid and very competitive kid, and I wish him a lot of success,” Rollinson said.

— Soraya Nadia McDonald