By Joe Snyder
In a game where there was only little passing, Serra High’s football team used its effective rushing attack to top host Notre Dame High 13-7 in a Mission League opener last Friday in Sherman Oaks.
After a 7-7 tie in the third quarter, the Cavaliers scored their eventual winning touchdown on a 35-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Jimmy Butler to junior running back Cincere Rhaney.
Senior running back Kai Honda gave Serra a 7-0 first quarter lead when he scored on a short 2-yard run, followed by his point after touchdown kick. That score completed a 15-play drive.
Early in the third period, the Knights (2-5) tied the game at seven on sophomore quarterback Wyatt Becker’s 3-yard sneak.
The PAT was good. The game featured a total of just 16 pass completions in 25 attempts for 181 yards by the two starting sophomore quarter- backs. Butler was 9-for-14 for 144 yards. Becker completed seven of 11 passes but just for 37 yards. In a mostly defensive battle, running ruled the offense. The Cavaliers were led by Rhaney who rushed for 80 yards on 15 carries. He also caught two passes for 50 yards, including the 35-yard TD from Butler. Honda ran for 45 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries. He had four receptions for 40 yards.
Serra returns home for what could be a league showdown against La Puente Bishop Amat Friday at 7 p.m. The Lancers are coming off a 31-28 win over host Sierra Canyon last Friday in Chatsworth. This Friday’s contest between the Cavaliers and Bishop Amat will be Serra’s homecoming game.
