Anaheim Servite defeats Orange Lutheran, 21-8

Something strange happened Friday night at Cerritos College. I kept seeing players named Pauu all over the field for Anaheim Servite.

Butch Pauu is Servite’s indestructible, immovable senior middle linebacker. For 36 consecutive games, he has answered the call of duty, lining up as a starter for Servite’s defense. He was hammering Orange Lutheran ballcarriers all night.

But in the second quarter, on a decisive 93-yard, 15-play scoring drive, Butch; his younger brother, Neil, a sophomore; and cousin Mana, a junior, all made major contributions to ignite No. 1-ranked Servite during a 21-8 victory over Orange Lutheran (5-1) in a Trinity League opener.

Servite trailed, 2-0, because of a safety on a bad snap that went over the head of quarterback Cody Pittman in the first quarter. With 5:30 left in the second quarter, the Friars finally started moving the ball behind the Pauu family.

Mana had a five-yard run and caught an 18-yard pass. Neil caught a 16-yard pass. Butch caught an 18-yard pass.

With three seconds left, Mana scored on a three-yard run, sending Servite into the locker room with a 7-2 lead.

Sitting in the press box was the proud father of Butch and Neil and the uncle of Mana, Yepi, who coaches linebackers for the Friars.

“I was stunned,” he said at halftime. “I’m so grateful that all three are playing at the same time.”

Equally grateful is Servite Coach Troy Thomas, who wishes there were more players named Pauu.

“They’re very athletic and they try to excel in all aspects of their lives,” Thomas said.

Mana Pauu was moved from linebacker to running back a couple weeks ago when Charlie Etiaki went down with a broken collarbone. Similar to last season, when Servite unveiled another unknown running back, Malik Felton, Mana Pauu is showing signs of being another standout. He had 77 hard-earned yards in 16 carries.

Two other players came up big for the Friars (5-1). Tight end Ainsle Johnson caught touchdown passes of 53 yards and 82 yards in the second half to break the game open. Pittman completed 15 of 21 passes for 276 yards.

Servite is 33-3 with Butch Pauu on the field, including consecutive Pac-5 Division championships and consecutive Trinity League titles. To beat Servite, you must deal with Pauu, who sets the tone with his toughness.

“He’s had his bumps and bruises, believe me,” Thomas said. “When you play football, you have to play with some of that.”

Pauu had an interception in the fourth quarter Friday and kept hitting all night.

Asked what it’s like with three Pauus on the field, Butch said, “It’s an awesome experience.”

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com