SAN MATEO – In recent seasons, Serra has been Northern California’s flagbearer – reaching the past three state Open Division championship games as the region’s best representative.
But on Friday night, the Padres found themselves looking up at a losing record. A 29-3 victory over visiting Valley Christian in a West Catholic Athletic League finale enabled Serra to reach .500, but this clearly was new territory, no matter how strong the Padres’ schedule was.
Valley Christian (5-5 overall, 4-3 in the WCAL) could relate. The Warriors also have had some ups and downs. They opened the league season at 4-0, only to drop their final three contests to close out the regular season.
For both teams, this year has been about regrouping, keeping focus, and teaching lessons. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to play for – the Central Coast Section playoffs begin next week and both teams will be in the Open Division quarterfinals, maybe even against each other. A championship remains on the table.
With the playoffs on the horizon, each side sought to regain momentum, but only Serra (5-5, 4-3) succeeded. Senior Nano Latu scored two first-half touchdowns, rushed for 82 yards on 12 carries, and caught two passes for 62 yards.
His touchdowns came on a 2-yard run and a 30-yard screen pass, the latter with a spin out of a hit at the 5-yard line.
“He’s been our offensive star this entire year,” Serra Coach Patrick Walsh said. “He’s elusive. He’s tough. He runs with passion and enthusiasm. And he’s got some top-end speed that’s sneaky.
“He’s just been electric all year. It’s like he has multiple hips or something.”
After Serra scored touchdowns on its first three possessions to build a 22-0 second-quarter lead, Valley Christian could not counter. Playing without its top two backs because of injury – Marcel Leggett and Ekiah McLemore – Valley was stifled by lineman Luke Disney and the rest of the Padre defense.
Troy Calupad valiantly tried to carry the load in his teammates’ absence, but was held to 43 yards in 14 carries and the Warriors were limited to 69 yards on the ground and 165 overall.
“The last part of the season, we had S.I., St. Francis, and Serra,” Valley Christian Coach Mike Machado said of the top-tier of the WCAL this year. “That’s a grind.
“But we’ve got to go back to work. You just try to make your guys realize it’s a new season. In the playoffs, you’re starting over.”
Serra’s Brady Family Stadium was packed for not only its only home night game of the year, but Senior Night, and Polynesian Night all at the same time.
“We’re just trying to be the best version of ourselves,” Walsh said. “Our core values are love, brotherhood, and humility. Those principles apply to 10-0 teams, 4-5 teams, and 0-10 teams. They should never be different.
“It’s been a wonderful season. I’ve loved everything about it with the exception of a couple of scoreboards. Isn’t that the way football seasons are supposed to be? Guys are going to come back for homecoming, for their reunions, and are going to be in each other’s weddings. If that’s the way they’re going to look back, I’m proud of that.”
Neither team is done yet. The CCS seeding meeting is Sunday and there even could be a chance at a first-round playoff rematch. Either way, it’s a new season.
