SHERMAN OAKS — In a game with football playoff implications, the Serra Cavaliers kept their postseason hopes alive by beating the Notre Dame Knights on Friday night.
Hassir Houston threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to Ikeem Crawford, and Serra’s defense stopped Notre Dame’s Tahj Skinner as the Cavaliers won 20-13.
Crawford knew he had to come up big in this game.
“We needed to do everything we could in our power to win this game and head into the playoffs,” Crawford said. “I was excited to put the team on my back and get in the end zone.”
Crawford said he was nervous, but was relieved when the defense came up big and got the stop.
Serra head coach Scott Altenberg praised his team for stepping up in a must-win game.
“Our defense played great the whole game, and I was proud of them.” We struggled offensively because we had a lot of injuries. However, I’m proud of our freshman [Houston] for making the throw at the end,” Altenberg said.
In the first half, Serra allowed only 10 points, which were off a field goal by Charlie Szaras and Noel Washington’s 27-yard touchdown run. The Cavaliers, however, were able to respond toward the end of the half as Houston connected on a 16-yard touchdown pass to Chris Cole.
Notre Dame looked to tie the game at 13, but Serra’s defense stopped Szaras from kicking his second field goal of the game. The Cavaliers took a 13-10 lead at halftime.
In the fourth quarter, Notre Dame had cut the deficit to seven after Szaras scored his second field goal.
Down 20-13, they recovered the onside kick with a chance to tie the game with a minute left. However, despite their late rally and multiple penalties in their favor, they couldn’t execute on the final play as Serra survived a nail-biter.
Notre Dame head coach Evan Yabu said he was impressed with both teams’ defenses and their willingness to battle.
“Both teams were well prepared,” Yabu said. “It was a big moment, especially with what is at stake. A great high school football game. Hats off to Serra for a good performance.”
With the win, Serra improves to 5-5 overall, while Notre Dame drops to 7-3. Both schools now await their playoff fate as the pairings for the Southern Section will be announced on Sunday.