Chaminade Comes Up Short Against Serra 30-28

Story By L.T.Willis

Serra's #20 Malik Roberson had a big night against Chaminade. Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Chaminade (12-1) and Serra (12-2) tangle for a second time, a game that both teams won't forget for a very long time. What was at stake a Western Division Championship, and chance for a spot in the new state bowl playoff games, and to qualify for a state bowl championship game on Dec 14 or 15 at the Home Depot Center in Carson. In most cases the second meeting of teams playing each other again, gives one team a advantage. The difference in this game came down to no turnovers by Serra's quarterback Jalen Rose.

Serra got on the score board first when a fake punt by Adoree' Jackson went 43 yards for a touchdown with 6:32 in the first quarter. Minutes later Chaminade responded with a score off their own when Terrell Newby scored on a 24 yard touchdown run to tie the game 7-7 with 3:38 left in the first quarter. Newby is one of the fastest running you will ever see, and is a very physical back for his size.

Chaminade's #34 Terrell Newby. Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

The second quarter it was like a prize fight, both teams trying to deliver blows that would send the other team buckling to their knees,and when Serra's Dwight Williams intercepted a pass from Brad Kaaya and scored from 46 yards out to give Serra a 14-7 lead with 10:04 left in the second quarter, the first left hook punch was thrown. You could tell that change the the momentum of the game as Chaminade's offense was starting to establish a passing and  running game.

Both defense were trying to clamped down on each other offense, but in football special teams are important in championship games, and Chaminade's specials teams delivered a counter punch when Donovan Lee went 78 yards for touchdown on a punt return with 7:02 left in the second quarter tied the score  14-14, that seem to give Chaminade new life as their fans went crazy, and Serra fans could not believe what they just saw from the looks on their faces.

Chaminade's #21 Donovan Lee went 78 yards for
a touchdown on a punt return against Serra.
Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Early in the third quarter Serra regain the lead after Dwight Williams intercepted another pass and Serra's Ryan Dobson kicked a 38 yard field goal to give the Cavaliers a 17-14 lead. The Eagles  came back and re took the lead on a 29 yard touchdown run from from Terrell Newby, after going 64 yards for the score, and now led 21-17 with 5:10 left on the clock. The scoring wasn't just over yet, when Malik Roberson scored from nine yards out help the Cavaliers regain the lead 24-21 with 3:33 left in the third quarter on six plays going 60 yards.

Both teams defense was trying to clamp down late in the fourth quarter and it seem like which team would come up with the biggest play, and who had the football last, might win the Western Division Championship. The biggest play for Serra's defense came with 8:51 in the fourth, stopping Terrell Newby by inches on a fourth and five on the Cavaliers 27 yard line. Serra got the ball back and drove down the field. The biggest play for Jalen Rose on the night, Serra already in field goal range, converted a a fourth and three on the six yard line. Moments later Malik Roberson scored from three yards out and Serra now led 30-21 with 2:27 left in the game.

Serra's quarterback #3 Jalen Rose was making plays all
night using his ability to scramble. Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Chaminade got the ball back and drove to Serra' forty four yard line, when Eagles' quarterback Brad Kaaya connected with Elijah Dunston on a crossing route for a 44 yard touchdown pass after miss tackles by Serra's defenders, now trail the Cavaliers 30-28 with 58 seconds left in the game. Serra look stun and couldn't believe what just happen, and too make things worst, got a personal foul penalty on the same play, which gave Chaminade great field position on the on side kick.

With the penalty the Eagles were already deep into Serra's side of the field, and just about in field goal range, and  a chance to come back and win the the second meeting between both teams. The Eagles recovered the kick, but the officials rule that the ball didn't go ten yards, and Serra got the ball back, ran a few plays to run out the clock, and won the Western Division Title 30-28.

Serra and Chaminade have the greatest respect for each other, showing
great sportsmanship after the game.

Terrell Newby after the game said,"there was a lot of the small things we didn't do well on offense, or defense not picking up first down on good drives, and not making enough big plays to win the game." Serra is the a good team and they made the plays to win the game."I ask Terrell when he goes back into the locker room what will you tell the guys now that you are a senior?" Next season learn from this game and come back stronger next season."

Jalen Rose after the game told me," I'm very happy that we won the game by doing the little small things that i didn't do in our first meeting." I learn from that game that i have to be smart with the football and let the game come to me." I am very proud of my team mates and coaches, who have always encourage me when i am having a bad game or struggling just keep playing."

Jalen Rose from  Serra played a smart game by making sure he didn't turn the ball over and put the October 5th Mission League game behind him, and made plays that kept drives going. Jalen had 114 yards rushing the ball and was 5 for 14 passing the ball, but did the small things to help his team win the game. Malik Roberson carried the ball 22 times for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns.

 Dwight Williams had 2 interception and ran back one for a touchdown. Chaminade's Terrell Newby carried the ball 28 time for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. For more photos from this game go our website at www.tgsportstv.com, click on the Prep/JC Gallery and scroll down to Championship, Chaminade @ Serra. All photos are by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.