Serra football faced a tough battle against Yorba Linda in the Division 2 quarterfinals, ultimately falling 24-20 and eliminating them from the CIF-Southern Section playoffs. Despite leading multiple times, the Cavaliers were unable to secure the win due to critical mistakes, including a fumble at the goal line and a costly holding penalty. Yorba Linda capitalized on these errors, making pivotal plays to reclaim the lead and maintain their advantage through the final moments of the game.

By the Numbers
  • Serra had three leads during the game but failed to hold onto any of them.
  • Serra's QB Jimmy Butler completed 15 of 22 passes for 208 yards and one touchdown.
Yes, But

While Serra's performance was marked by mistakes and missed opportunities, it's important to acknowledge that Yorba Linda executed their game plan effectively, making critical plays when necessary. The competition demonstrated the impact of turnovers and penalties in high-stakes matchups.

State of Play
  • Yorba Linda advanced to the semifinals to face second-seeded Newbury Park following their victory.
  • Serra ended their playoff run with an overall record of 8-4 for the season.
What's Next

Moving forward, Serra will need to reflect on this season's performance, focusing on improving discipline and execution in high-pressure situations to compete more effectively in future playoffs.

Bottom Line

Serra's exit from the playoffs underscores the critical nature of maintaining composure and avoiding mistakes in crucial moments. Learning from this experience could prove vital for their future success in the competitive landscape of high school football.