September 11, 2011
In a matchup of Top 20 teams in San Mateo, host and No. 10 Serra literally ran away from visiting No. 13 Monte Vista 54-13. The Padres ran off 41straight points in the first half to cruise to their second consecutive 50 plus point performance to start the season 2-0. Monte Vista was never able to develop any offensive rhythm to go 1-1.
Serra ran for 404 yards on 46 carries (8.8 yards per run). Junior running back Eric Redwood had 139 rushing yards with three touchdowns, quarterback Joey Erdie had 100 rushing yards with two touchdowns, and Erich Wilson added 79 yards on the ground with two touchdowns. The final Padres touchdown was a 97 yard kickoff return by Jordan Jauregui who also had the game's lone interception.
Monte Vista's two touchdowns came through the air as senior quarterback Jeff Lockie passed for 206 yards. He completed 18 passes in 34 attempts but his receivers had a few drops and Lockie was constantly harassed by the Serra pass rush.
Offense: The Padres were run oriented as Erdie only threw for 48 yards. But with the tandem of Redwood and Wilson, opponents will plan to load up in the box to stop the run. Wilson was deceptively strong as he broke several arm tackles on his carries. Redwood displayed a lower center of gravity and a quick burst. Coach Patrick Walsh commented on how Erdie, who was a free safety last year, has been directing the team's offense well so far.
The Mustangs depended on Oregon commit Lockie's arm. In a game where they trailed early, the Padres were able to be more aggressive in their defensive schemes. Despite being rushed, Lockie showed good accuracy on his passes of all distances.
Defense: Colorado commit Wilson also played at cornerback. Wilson stated that he had no preference in his position at the college level. At 6-foot-1 and possessing quick feet, Wilson would be an effective cornerback. Serra's defense has now given up 19 points in the first two games and those points were surrendered when the games were already decided.
The Mustangs may be in many offensive shootouts for this season. Their offense may have to keep them in the game as the defense has not done its part in the first two games.
What's Next: Serra travels on Friday to play Encinal who they defeated 42-13 last season. It would not be a surprise if they scored 50 plus for the third straight game. If St. Francis loses to Willow Glen next week to start 0-3, Serra will probably be undefeated going into their last three games of the regular season that includes Bellarmine and Valley Christian.
The key to stopping Serra is to limit the run game and force first year quarterback Erdie to throw. The Padres run various motion offensive schemes that can still trip up opposing defenses. The Bellarmine defense would seem to be their toughest matchup for the remainder of the season. The Serra defense passed the test against a division I level quarterback in Lockie. The WCAL is a run oriented league and that will be the ultimate test for the defense.
The Mustangs face a Pittsburg team that they defeated last year on Friday. However, Pittsburg has a balanced offense that has been efficient in their first two games that features quarterback Malik Watson and running backs Mister Cotton and Feao Vunipola. If the Mustangs are to win, they will have to score frequently.
The Mustangs were able to generate 71 rushing yards to not be entirely passing focused. But the season's success will depend largely on how the defense plays. If the defense cannot slow down opposing offenses, then the Mustang offense will have to shoulder the load.
WCAL versus EBAL: De La Salle defeated Bellarmine 26-23 in two overtimes that could have gone either way. Archbishop Mitty was winning 14-13 against San Ramon Valley before the game was postponed. Serra won 54-13 against Monte Vista.
Bellarmine, Serra, and Valley Christian look to be fixtures in the NCP top 10 throughout the season. However, De La Salle will still stay at the top until someone in Northern California can defeat them. These four teams all have common traits - run control offenses with solid defenses.
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