It was Anterio Bateman night at Redondo. Everything that Khalfani Muhammad did to Serra on Friday the 9th, Bateman did to the Seahawks on the 16th. And more. He not only out ran them; he turned, cut, spun and fox-trotted through and around them. Stats are not available, but Bateman certainly approached two hundred yards.

Bateman was impressive against Notre Dame. Against a less talented defense, he dazzled. The new news was a gritty, gluey defense that didn't let the Seahawks score or even come close.

It's difficult to judge how the Cavaliers are going to stack up overall. Serra again showed an effective ground game built on speed and moves more than cleats-in-your-face muscle. Again, the passing game was anemic, especially to fans who watched the Cavs in the Landers-Preston, Woods-Farmer years. On the other hand, while Notre Dame was able to throw itself out of every tight spot, Serra's pass defense was outstanding against Redondo. Two interceptions, one returned thirty yards of a touch.

Now for those who'd like it a little more detail.

After trading possessions once, Serra got the ball on its own thirty at 8:39 in the first quarter. The Cavs moved smartly down the field in eight plays, scoring on nine-yard Bateman run at 4:17. Serra 7- Redondo 0.

Serra kicked to Redondo. Redondo did nothing. Redondo kicked to Serra, Serra did nothing. Serra kicked back to Redondo. At 6:20 in the second period, Redondo third and fifteen at its own twenty five, tried a pass over the middle. Serra intercepted and ran the ball in. Point after good thanks to a very nice placement of a high snap. Serra 14-Redondo 0.

Redondo started the next series on its own twenty five. After three plays, including a great play swatting away a well-thrown pass, Redondo punted. A very good roll drove Bateman back to the five, where he picked it up, juked, and started what became a 95-yard jaunt down the far side of the field. It was great to watch, but everyone not wearing a helmet knew it was only for show. A blatant and useless block in the back nullified the most exciting play of the night.

Serra was penalized to the three. The Cavs managed one first down then had to punt. Redondo got the ball with 1:27 remaining in the half. A couple of very good recoveries on broken plays moved the Seahawks to the fifty, fourth and one. The Serra line refused to give up that one yard, and Serra got the ball back with 16 tics left on the clock.

Trying for a miracle, Serra's quarterback had the ball knocked out of his hands, and Redondo recovered at the Serra 30. The Seahawk's deepest penetration of the half. It was not to be. The half ended on a Redondo pass that crossed out of the end zone ten feet above everyone's head.

The second half started at the Redondo 20 after Garcia again kicked into the endzone. Three and out, and Serra got the ball at the Redondo 48. On the Cav's first offensive play of the half, Bateman took the ball over the left guard, and ran by ten Seahawks, all of whom were within arm's reach and none of whom could touch him. Serra up 21-0 with 10:50 remaining in the third.

That ended the scoring. There were one or two good plays in the remaining twenty minutes. A two great pass coverage plays, one of which was called pass interference by an ADHD field judge. And another stonewall stop of the Seahawk's strongest back on fourth and one.

Overall, as is obvious, it was an encouraging night. Great progress on defense. Anterio Bateman coming out party (again). Continued good kicking, and a little progress on the passing game.

Next week it's Mira Costa at Serra. Mira Costa, like Serra is one and one. The Mustangs lost to Loyola 28-14 in their opener and beat Inglewood 17-0 last night. Serra should be favored.

Article by: Pat Lynch '59