It was Week One of the high school football season and it featured a marquee matchup that wasn’t originally scheduled. Long Beach Poly made a visit to Serra in a matchup of two local powers. Both teams were originally scheduled to play in a showcase in Utah but the funding fell through and they were both stuck with a hole in the schedule.
On the field, Serra dominated in a 20-12 win. The Cavaliers' (2-0) defense was sensational and really took it to the Jackrabbits (1-1) with a physical brand of football, forcing two first quarter fumbles.
“Unbelievable defense,” said Serra head coach Scott Altenberg. “Our gameplan was (to) make Long Beach Poly go 12 plays to score and hold onto the ball on offense.
“That’s what we did. I was excited by that.”
Both of Serra’s wins this season have come against PAC-5 teams. Friday night’s loss by Poly was just one of many by the Moore League. They went 0-7.
Poly will continue their tour of the South Bay with a visit to defending City champion Narbonne (1-0) in their third straight road game to start the season.
Servite took a good punch to the mouth in Zero Week losing at Bishop Amat in a battle of two former Angelus League foes. The Friars hit the road once again Saturday night to take on Rancho Cucamonga (1-1). It was a spirited effort for Troy Thomas’ bunch. They trailed 23-3 in the first half and 23-10 at halftime.
The Servite defense forced two fourth quarter turnovers en route to a 24-23 win. When asked what he said to his team at halftime, Thomas told the LA Times “Keep believing in each other.” Servite (1-1) has a bye this week before hosting Edison (1-0) next week in their home opener at Cerritos College. This will give them time to break in a new offensive coordinator to replace Matthew Mitchell who was fired, the Times’ reported Tuesday. Servite also has a Sept. 21 rematch with Las Vegas Bishop Gorman looming.
Vista Murrieta scored 21 unanswered in the fourth quarter on Friday night to defeat ThunderRidge (CO) 37-26. The Broncos (1-0) will take on another out of state team this week when they host South Anchorage (AK).
Great Oak (2-0) defeated a Canadian team, St. Albert, 50-6.
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame (1-1) went all the way to Ireland to pick up their first win of the season. They defeated Hamilton (AZ), 27-15.
Reigning CIF Division IV State Bowl champ Sierra Canyon (2-0) extended its winning streak to 17 games with a win over El Camino Real of the City Section. Tailback Xavier Menifield rushed for two touchdowns and caught another in the 34-20 win.
Oaks Christian and Westlake swapped opponents this week. The Lions (2-0) defeated Granite Bay 48-13. Westlake (2-0) defeated Del Oro, 16-13 in overtime. Both games were played at Westlake. Last week Oaks Christian beat Del Oro and Westlake defeated Granite Bay in games played up north. Both the Lions and the Warriors will be in action on Prep Zone this Friday at 7pm. Oaks will host Venice (1-1), while Westlake takes on Crenshaw (2-0) right here on FOXSportsWest.com.
In case you’re keeping track, so far this season, Buena Park (2-0) is outscoring opponents, 109-0. The Coyotes are led by former Utah Ute Anthony White, who’s in his third season as head coach. The Coyotes will look to keep the shutout streak alive this week against Magnolia (0-1) before a much stiffer test next week against JSerra (1-0) of the Trinity League.
On the flip side of things, Cerritos (0-2) has been outscored by its opponents this season, 132-0. Buena Park handed the Dons their season-opening 74-0 loss in week 0.
Week One Top Performers:
Crespi (3-0) quarterback Cody Cordell completed 17-of-25 passes for 317 yards and five touchdowns in the Celts 42-28 win over Nevada Liberty.
Oaks Christian quarterback Brandon Dawkins completed 20-of-25 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown in the Lions’ 48-13 win over Granite Bay.
Canyon Country Canyon (2-0) wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky caught 10 passes for 129 yards to become Canyon’s all-time leader in receptions in the Cowboys’ 56-48 win over Clovis West. He also owns the school record for receiving yards.
