by Jeff Fisher
Serra High School (Gardena) is just outside of High School Football America’s Preaseason Top 25, but a big showing against nationally ranked Bellevue from Washington, ranked #16 in our preseason poll, could pop the Cavaliers into the national rankings debate. Steve Spiewak of MaxPreps has Serra ranked #19 in its preseason national rankings.
Last year, Scott Altenberg (153-45-1) has built Serra into a regular winner that has produced top-flight talent like NFL wide receivers Marquise Lee (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Robert Woods (Buffalo Bills). This year, junior linebacker John Houston is considered the best on what is expected to be a loaded defense, however, Houston has missed significant time on the field back of a stress fracture in his back.
On offense, the 2012 CIF Division II state champs need to replace quarterback Jalen Green, now at USC. Altenberg hopes that senior running back Malik Roberson returns to his sophomore year form when he rushed for over 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns. Roberson missed all of last year with a knee injury.
After opening the season against Lakewood, Serra will play Bellevue in The Honor Bowl in Oceanside, California on September 6th. Bellevue is riding a 54 game win streak, third longest in the nation.
