Defense wins championships. That is a saying that is heard year after year. The Serra Cavaliers (13-0) defense gave the St. Francis Golden Knights (10-3) all they could handle in a CIF L.A. City Western Division playoff win. The Cavs’ offense had to grind it out in its 22-14 semifinal victory because the Golden Knights were a formidable opponent who almost won their regular season matchup a few weeks ago.
On the opening drive of the game, St. Francis used a balance attack to go for 65 yards in 12 plays to take early lead 7-0. Senior running back Joe Mudie squeezed through the endzone on two-yard touchdown run after Serra was called for encroachment penalty inside the five-yard line.
Fans, players and coaches looked at each other like oh no here we go again déjà vu. In first game, Serra won that round, 35-21, rallying to the victory after St. Francis had taken a 21-7 first quarter lead.
Serra’s defense, after allowing the first score of game, became real stingy and maybe safe to say put on a Hall of Fame performance after that. The Golden Knights managed only 18 yards for the rest of the half, even with three extra possessions first half turnovers committed by Serra.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, coming out in second half still trailing 7-0, Serra’s defense allowed zero yards for the whole third quarter. St Francis just didn’t have an answer or play call to slow down the Cavs’ defensive pressure from its front seven.
Senior quarterback Jalen Greene was having a tough time in the air so in the second half the Cavs took to the ground game like a four wheel drive. Serra received the kickoff in second half after making some adjustments at halftime. Greene took off for 69 of 192 yards on the ground to set up his two-yard quarterback sneak to tie the game at 7-7. Missing triple threat Adoree’ Jackson due to an ankle sprain, Serra had to find someone to fill the void on offense.
Running back Darrion Naylor, who is small in stature, stepped up big for the Cavs, rushing for 136 yards. Naylor clinched the game for Serra when he punched in a nine-yard touchdown run with 40 seconds to secure the Cavs’ 22-14 victory.
In the end, Serra’s team defense proved to be too much for the Golden Knights. St. Francis felt the brunt of bone crushing hits on their receivers and their quarterback that will hurt little more the next day. Serra moves on to host the Western Division Championship next week in a rematch of last year title game against Chaminade (11-2) at 7 p.m.
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Jevone Moore a writer, photographer by trade and a coach in life at heart. Former UCLA Bruin football player during the good years, City Champs 92-95.