Football: The post-Khalil Tate era begins Friday for Gardena Serra

Quarterback Khalil Tate ran, passed and led Gardena Serra to great success the last two seasons. He has moved on to Arizona. Now the Cavaliers will make their season debut on Friday in Scottsdale, Ariz., against Saguaro.

What will Serra look like without Tate?

Coach Scott Altenberg is expected to give Jalani Eason, Tate’s backup, the first crack at quarterback. He knows the offense, has great intelligence and will try to be a playmaker and get the ball to receivers Kobe Smith and John Jackson. There’s also 6-5 sophomore Blaze McKibbin, who’s expected to get playing time.

Serra has depth at running back but will be searching for a big-play back.

On defense, the strength of the team is at linebacker with Merlin Robertson and Tysyn Parker.

“I’m excited but I know it’s a process,” Altenberg said.

There are several other teams opening up this weekend. Sierra Canyon is traveling to Utah to play Orem on Friday.

On Saturday, Huntington Beach Edison faces Baldwin in Wailuku, Hi. St. Margaret’s faces Hawaii Prep in Kamuela, Hi.

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