Serra erupts early, holds off Folsom to win NorCal football showdown
Serra scores on a trick play to start game and builds 21-point lead but is far from satisfied with result
SAN MATEO, Calif. — Saturday afternoon, it was difficult to tell that Serra had won, that the San Mateo powerhouse had defeated one of Northern California’s top programs in a high school football showdown that would help set the tone for the season among the elite teams.
Serra scored three touchdowns in the first quarter, leaving Folsom reeling.
The Padres scored a trick-play touchdown on the game’s first snap and punished the Bulldogs with jarring hits — some late, according to the officials — that threatened to turn the game into a rout.
The Padres took a knee after recovering an onside kick and converting a game-clinching first down in the final minutes of a 21-14 victory over Folsom.
“We need to be a tougher organization,” said Serra head coach Patrick Walsh. “We simply weren’t tough enough.” We simply weren’t organized enough to accomplish our goals. However, Folsom has a lot to do with it. Folsom is simply being Folsom. What are they going to bury for us?
“I just think we need to get a little bit tougher, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, both mentally and physically — mostly mentally.”
On the first play of the season, Serra was mentally sharp.
Walsh has never shied away from displaying innovation and trickery during his two-plus decades coaching football at Tom Brady’s alma mater.
After receiving the opening kickoff, he and his staff had a play planned.
Maealiuaki Smith took the snap from the Serra 20 and threw a backward pass to Nano Latu on the left side from the shotgun formation.
After making the catch, the junior came to a halt and launched a deep pass down the field with his left arm.
Charlie Willey, a wide receiver, reeled it in and did not stop until he crossed the goal line.
Serra led the new season 7-0 after 12 seconds.
“It’s nice to have a good trick play like that,” Smith commented. “It gives us a lot of traction.” It gets us pumped up and rids us of the jitters. It was a good way to get the game started.”
Serra sent out a defense that was ready to be physical against another team after an off-season of preparation, emotionally charged after the perfectly executed touchdown play.
The Padres came out swinging, sending an early message that they wanted to keep their top spot in Northern California.
Serra went up 14-0 after another big play.
With 7:10 remaining in the first quarter, Smith connected with tight end Cole Harrison down the field for a 60-yard touchdown.
On the following series, Serra continued to frustrate the Folsom offense, with a three-and-out giving the Padres the ball at their own 28.
Serra’s only sustained drive that resulted in points covered 72 yards in 11 plays, with Danny Niu finishing with a 6-yard run across the goal line.
Serra led 21-0 with 1:02 remaining in the first quarter.
The scoreboard remained unchanged until Folsom crossed the goal line twice in the final 6:11.
Taniela Folau led Serra’s defense with three sacks and a fumble recovery, while Niu had two and a half sacks and a forced fumble.
Folsom finally scored, pulling within 21-7 when sophomore quarterback Ryder Lyons connected with Daymion Rivera over the middle from 30 yards out.
Lyons’ 13-yard run with 2:30 remaining made it a one-score game, and Serra did not look nearly as energized as it did in the first quarter.
Walsh said it was fine.
“A sour taste in the mouth with a win is an acceptable business practice as long as we’re mature about it,” Walsh said. “I believe it is extremely difficult to play from the top. Being Rocky Balboa is simple. Nobody has faith in us. Apollo Creed gets all the attention. Has all of the necessary equipment. Being Rocky Balboa is simple.
“Right now, we aren’t.” I sensed a little of that, a sense of entitlement. We’re up 21 points. We’re fine. That is not how it works.”
Whatever Serra feels, it still leaves the field ranked first in Northern California, a position it held in 2021 and unquestionably maintained last season after defeating both Folsom and De La Salle in the first two games.
Serra will try to complete the back-to-back victories against De La Salle next Saturday.
Folsom had no intention of accepting a seven-point loss to NorCal’s top team.
“You’re proud of the effort,” said Folsom coach Paul Doherty. “I believe the game was not as close as it ended.” They took it out on us. They had a good football team and beat us. But we try to take pride in the fact that there are no moral victories. We expect our children to perform admirably.
“This is the type of football they want to see.” They want to be the best team in Northern California and compete with the best teams in the South. Year after year, these guys dominate the table. So we’ll have to play them. I appreciate that they keep us on schedule. We’ll be back in Folsom the following year.”
Yes, Serra-Folsom III will take place in 2024, if not later this season in a regional.
