THAT OL' SHELL GAME

Serra 14 - Bellevue 31

The Wing T, so called, is a choreographic version of the old shell game. You move the shells around faster than the eye can follow and who knows where the little pea has gone? The Cavaliers are suckers for the ol' shell game.

In 2008 a wounded team without 50% of Serra's athletic talent had Serra on the ropes running the wing T.  Saturday night in Oceanside, it was Bellevue Washington running the old shell game, and it's almost an art form the way the Wolverines run it. The final score was Bellevue 34 - Serra 13, and only because Bellevue had the class to quit at the Serra 2 with a little over a minute remaining in the game. 

The stats were one sided. Bellevue has now gone 57 games without a loss.  But the Wolverines weren't overpowering, perhaps weren't as talented on average as the Cavs. Like Cathedral in oh-eight, it seemed that the defense wore out, but the real problem was offense. Get an edge and the Wolverines have to get away from the deliberate, Chinese torture style of play. 

Through the first half, Serra's defense showed that it could stand up to the Wolverines in the trenches.  But the offense couldn't score, and a couple of offensive mistakes made it easier for Bellevue to keep Serra's defense on the field. Scott Altenberg is quoted as saying that the Cavs need to figure out a way to punch the ball in the red zone. Serra was in the red zone twice to Bellevue's once, but the score was Bellevue 7 - Serra 6 because Serra didn't have the muscle or the deception to move the ball the last 10-15 yards for a score. 

If...If only...if Serra had taken the lead when it had the opportunity it might have been a replay of the 2011 championship game against Oakdale, a team that also relied on a version of the ol' shell game.

All in all, the 2014 Cavs seem like a powerful engine with a bad timing chain, can't seem to get the power to the drive wheels.

Getting down to the detail of a Woody Hayes three (read five) yards and a mouthful of turf isn't much fun. A few comments. John Huston and Rasheem Green were like Horatio at the Bridge right to the last play. Huston must have made 15-20 tackles and Green was right there with him. The quarterback tandem of Caleb Wilson and Khalil Tate continues to confuse the press box, but in some ways tip off the opponent. Tate's appearance signals a 70-30 probability of a run, and Wilson: a 60-40 probability of a pass. Stanley Norman had a break out night with two key catches in Serra's one and only touchdown drive. Serra badly, badly needs a place kicker who can get the ball to the end zone. Serra gives up 15-20 yards field position on every kick off.

This Friday, Carson goes to Serra. 
 

Pat Lynch '59
 

Alumni at Serra

These charming, intelligent and dedicated alumni are teaching, volunteering, or are on staff at Serra.  Amazing the number who come back and help. From Left to Right: Vince Kates '61, Tom Alford '63, Tim Boyer '70, Joe Cormier '81, Dwan Hurt '81, Zac Bose '82, Joe McDorman '91, Adriana Encelan '03, & Chris Calvin '06. We would not have the space to list all the alumni who are coaching all sports at all levels.

Honorary Alumnae, Elice Hennessee, teaches Senior English, is the daughter of Serra Alumnus Raymond Hennessee '71.

While the outcome of the Honor Bowl game was not what we wanted, Serra Alumni, Parents and other Friends of Serra filled the house.  Zac Bose '82, PTO President Balinda Cooper and Football parent Chair Micole Moton filled up 2 rooter buses with students, alumni and friends.

We wish we could show you a picture of  Zarak '85 Cannady, Mike '62 and Jan Sullivan, and Dean and Nanc Christy, but we can't. Nanc is a cousin of Bob '59 and Bill '58 Czuleger.

Homecoming is Coming

Plan to take part in a growing tradition. Get your Serra gear on and get to the north end of the track by 6:30 so that you can be a part of the Alumni Tunnel.  We will have the new Alumni Legacy Tiles on the Alumni Wall. 

After the game, meet hundred of Alumni in the gym.