Rivals Recap: Serra vs. Narbonne
HARBOR CITY, Calif. -- In one of the most-exciting games in this early season,
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Gardena (Calif.) Serra held off Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne, 41-40, in
overtime Friday night. After Serra scored on the first possessions of the extra
session, Narbonne answered and decided to go for two and the win. The snap was
bobbled and Serra's defense held on for the victory.
I was impressed with...
There is still some debate about whether four-star Khalil Tate can be
an every-down Pac-12 quarterback but the Arizona commit was absolutely
phenomenal and led Serra to the win in all kinds of ways.
First, Tate rushed for six scores. He had a 49-yarder early and then a 70-yard
touchdown run where he bounced off, dragged and dodged defenders to the end
zone.
Later, Tate carried the ball 45 yards down the sideline stiff-arming his way for
extra yardage and with his 6-foot-1, 208-pound frame he's not easy to bring
down. The Arizona pledge scored on a 27-yard carry later in that drive.
Tate also scored from 5, 2 and 2 yards out, the third one in overtime. Late in
the game, Tate dealt with bad cramps but willed Serra to the win, which showed
even more toughness.
Running ability and athleticism has never been a question with the four-star.
He's as fast and as talented in that way as any dual-threat QB in this class.
Tate has tremendous arm strength, too, but accuracy remains a question mark.
Also, with the game tied late, Tate threw a bad interception off his back foot
as he floated the ball into the middle of the field. It was a bad decision but
one of only a few all night.
Another Arizona commit shined on Friday night as well -- Narbonne three-star
receiver Devaughn Cooper, who finished with touchdown receptions of 54,
10, 4 and 50 yards and showed excellent route running, speed and the ability to
get behind some outstanding defensive backs.
In a loaded receiver year in California, Cooper deserves to be in the
conversation as one of those upper-echelon guys.
The Arizona pledge beat four-star Brandon Burton deep on his first
touchdown and then
had a beautiful 45-yard grab that led to his second score right before halftime.
His 50-yarder came when he burned the defenders deep and on fourth down was
found open streaking down the field.
The Wildcats are getting a major steal in this recruiting class.
I was surprised by...
A third Arizona commit had an impressive performance and that came from
three-star Sean Riley who seemingly fits perfectly in the Wildcats'
spread offense.
The diminutive Riley who is listed generously at 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds is a
nightmare to tackle on jet sweeps, screens and anything in open space. If the
defense doesn't constantly set the edge against Riley, he can break free and
gain significant yards.
Four-star defensive back Brandon Burton showed a lot of guts Friday
night. During a play in the first half, the Serra defensive back was
inadvertently kicked in the jaw and a gash opened up. Instead of sitting out in
a tight game, trainers patched him up, Burton strapped his helmet on and
contributed on both offense and defense.
A lot of Serra people are talking about 2019 cornerback Max Williams
being a future star at the powerhouse school. He could be one already. The
freshman had two interceptions Friday night, was great in coverage, has
tremendous instincts and doesn't back down against anybody. There have been
early comparisons to Adoree' Jackson -- same high school, same look. That might
be premature but Williams can definitely play.
UCLAClick Other thoughts...Here to view this Link.
commit Wole Betiku is still planning a round of official visits with
Tennessee being
considered. Vols defensive line coach Steve Stripling has apparently been
actively recruiting Betiku so the four-star defensive end from Serra is interested in
taking a trip to Knoxville, Still, sources say, the Bruins remain in great shape
with Betiku and they don't see him flipping his pledge.
Burton did not take his
Ohio State official visit last weekend but he is going
to reschedule with the Buckeyes probably for the Michigan State weekend in late
Florida State as planned. Burton is also really high on UCLA and the Bruins
could be in very strong shape here but need to dodge the gauntlet of him taking
all his trips.
Tate looks locked in
-- more than ever -- with his Arizona pledge. The four-star
plans to be an early enrollee in Tucson, the Wildcats will give him a chance at
quarterback and that's all he's asking for. Other programs have recruited him as
a receiver and even a defensive back because of his athleticism but Tate seems
happy with his decision.
