Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Article 355: Padres share WCAL title

November 17, 2013

Serra got three receiving touchdowns from senior Hamilton Anoa'i and had a stifling defense to gain a share of the West Catholic Athletic League title with a 31-7 victory over Archbishop Mitty on Saturday in San Mateo. Anoa'i also had an interception on defense as he scored the first two touchdowns of the game to give Serra a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. With the win, the Padres go to 8-2 while Mitty loses for the first time ans fall to 9-1 as both teams gear up for the postseason.

Serra's offense was efficient, had a balance passing and rushing game plan, and made key plays without any turnovers. Without senior Matt Dickerson, the Padre defense limited the prolific Mitty rushing game to only 104 yards while also getting three interceptions. A complete Serra team effort helped with the dominant victory.

The game was Mitty's season low for points scored and its season high for points allowed. The vaunted running attack was scoreless as the only touchdown was on a long first quarter 66 yard pass from Trent Scharrenberg to Tommy Hudson. The defense only gave up 280 yards in total offense but the three turnovers by the offense put the defense in difficult field position.

The win propels Serra to its first share of the league title since 2008. The Padres, with a balanced offensive attack and complete defense to make them a difficult matchup in the postseason, will likely be in the Open division for the CCS playoffs.

Despite the loss, Mitty earns a share of the league title and will also likely be in the Open division. Hopefully for the Monarchs, the regular season finale was an aberration, as they will need to raise their level of play on both sides of the ball to make a deep run in the postseason. Steve Hu

Hamilton Anoa'i 6-foot-2, 225 pounds S/WR Serra (2014): The senior had three touchdown receptions, went over 100 yards receiving, and had a key early interception on defense to lead the Padres. Anoa'i has good size and versatile skills on both sides of the ball. He could be a versatile prospect on the college level.

Matthew Fa'aita 5-foot-10, 190 pounds QB Serra (2014): Fa'aita was efficient as he completed 8 out of 11 passes for his 138 passing yards and three touchdown passes. He ran for 41 yards as well but it was his scrambling that helped extend plays. His athleticism and versatility will help the offense in the postseason.

Kava Cassidy 6-foot-0, 160 pounds RB Serra (2015): Cassidy had 77 yards rushing as most of his yards helped extend drives with key first down conversions. The junior did not break a long run or score a touchdown but did go over 1,000 rushing yards for the season. He should be the featured back during his senior year and should be on the recruiting radar.

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