Homecoming a Touchdown!!!!! Cavalier fans and grads filled Kretzschmar Stadium for Serra's Homecoming victory over the visiting Knights of Notre Dame. 

The fans gave a rousing welcome before the game to returning players Gerry Stadler '55, John Hynes '60, Jesse Bojorquez '60, Dave Stadler '62, Tom Hendrix, '63,  Jaime Ruiz '73, Brian Cooper '74, Eric Boyd '79, Harold Waldon '80, Erick Aiken '96 and Carl Winston '09.  During the game, classes from the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, and '00s were recognized.  Special recognition was given to the boys of '89 (their 25th year) and the boys of '64 (their 50th year).Was the biggest applause for our returning cheerleaders?

After the game, lots of Alumni headed for the gym for the traditional post game party. Was the appearance of a former homecoming queen and 11 former cheerleaders, including a '69 male cheerleader, the best part of the evening? One of the cheerleaders led the party in an old fashioned..."Give me an S....Give me an E...."  We don't have a picture of them.  Does anyone have one and will send it to us?

Jerome Thierry '81, Shamira Brown-Sadler '00, Kenisha Danley '99 did a lot of work before the game and after the game to make Homecoming a success.

Kenisha '99 and Shamira '00

MISSION JUST POSSIBLE

Serra '14 drew Note-rah Daum for its premier in the new and very tough Mission League.  In the words of the Daily Breeze, the Cavs "survived" with a 28-23 victory.  Another way to put it is this: the Cavs almost gave a tough victory away. 

A mind boggling snapping error at the ten yard line gave the Knights a safety that put the scoring two points out of sync. Then three major penalties led to an unmerited touchdown that put the Knights within five.  As a result, a lot of fingernails were gnawed over the last three minute of the game, but in the end, the Cavalier defense locked up a well-earned victory.

Overall, both Cavalier squads played well.  The offense continues to sputter, but when it hits on all cylinders it's that old Cavalier electric.  The Cavs could not run consistently, but broke off the best long runs thus far in the 14 season.  Malik Roberson's 54 yard run for Serra's second touchdown was a case of déjà vu all over again.  It followed an almost-as-special run of 23 by Darrion Naylor. With those two runs, Serra answered Notre Dame's first touchdown within twenty five seconds.

Two long passes were underthrown and intercepted, but Serra's deep and middle range passing attack was more credible than it's been so far this season.  Tate's 27 yard pass to Deontay Burnett for Serra's third touchdown as a close call, but end up a highlight play.

The Serra defense has been the margin of victory, and can well Friday's victory was a defensive win.  Notre Dame came out favoring the run, but the D was stingy on the run all night.  The line forced two fumbles, one leading directly to a TD, and stopped the Knights fourth and short twice.  Notre Dame had trouble passing all night, although Serra had trouble with the short pass.  In general the Cav defense had the upper hand through three quarters, although it bent about as far as can be in the fourth quarter. 

Scoring: Serra took the lead on its second possession with a five-play thirty five yard drive capped by Tate's beautifully blocked 8-yard run up the middle.  Serra 7 Notre Dame 0

Notre Dame tied the game at 10:52 of the second period on a 50+ yard return of a good punt.  Serra 7 Notre Dame 7

Serra came back twenty second later on those two outstanding runs first by Naylor and then by Roberson.  The Roberson run was special because there was nothing in the designated hole; he created his own running lane and outran the secondary.  Serra 14 Notre Dame 7

The defense created a fumble at 7:46 in the second, and the offense took only two plays to cash in the turnover.  Burnett's highlight film diving catch of Tate's pass in front of the goal post.  So now it's 21-7 and it began to look like smooth sailing.  Serra 21 Notre Dame 7

With Notre Dame reeling, Serra was flagged for a facemask, which set the Knights up at the Serra 35.  As with Burnett's touchdown, an inch or two was the difference between an interception and a touchdown.  And as with Burnett's touchdown, it turned out a touchdown.  Serra 21 Notre Dame 14

After the kickoff came the snap to nobody.  Caleb Wilson was looking to his left calling the signals and the ball bounded into the end zone followed by half the Knight's D-line.  Some unheralded Cavalier apparently beat them to the ball.  Safety.  Serra 21 Notre Dame 16. 

In the second half, Serra again scored on its third possession moving from the Serra 21 to a TD in 5 runs and 4 passes, three of them complete.  Tate outran the Knights to the flag from the four, putting the Cavs up by more than ten with 2:43 remaining in the third. 

Then came the Cavalier's patented fourth quarter night mare.  Nine seconds into the fourth Serra got off a beautiful punt that backed the Knights to their own 8.  On the next play, Serra intercepted, but the zebras called pass interference.  Fifteen gift yards.  ND first at the 22.  A couple of inconsequential runs later, Serra is flagged for a facemask.  Now it's thirty gift yards and an ND first at the 40.  Serra stiffens.  After a good screen pass, it's fourth down with about inches.  Serra jumps off sides.  Thirty five gift yards.  Next play comes a pass to the side line is incomplete, but Serra is called for a late hit.  Forty five gift yards.  Notre Dame first at the Serra 49.  The Knights moved to a first at the 35 on a fantastic catch of an underthrown ball over the middle.  They had to make some contribution.  Two incomplete passes and six runs later, and the boys from Our Lady are within 5 with 6:57 remaining on the clock.

With the Cavalier stands chanting run, run, the Cavs held the ball for just under three minutes, but couldn't convert on fourth and 5 at 4:12.  The Serra defense gave up two quick first downs, then stood their ground for four nerve racking downs.  Serra's ball with 2:26. 

An uncomfortable replay of Serra's offense at the end of the Section Championship game last year, Serra was not able to hold the ball for 2:26.  Notre Dame got the ball at its own 15 with 70 molasses slow seconds left to play.  Pass, overthrown and incomplete.  Pass over the middle to the Notre Dame 43.  Quarterback hurried throws incomplete.  Pass to the sideline completed to the Serra 43.   Quarterback escapes for another first to the Serra 30.  Notre Dame pass to the flag.  Incomplete, no penalty.  0.9 ticks. Pass to the goal line, no one close.  Game over.

Father PatNot a part Homecoming , but a homecoming for Father Pat Philbin S.M.  Here is Father Pat comparing notes with Serra's new Principal, Jeff Guzman.