Close, but no cigar

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Servite can finally put to rest its bitter memories of last season’s upset loss to Corona Santiago.

The Friars put the game away in the fourth quarter, as D.J. Shoemate ended a drive in Friar territory with a sack on fourth down, and the offense capitalized with a 36-yard touchdown reception by Greg Portis on third and 19, securing the 17-7 victory.

Santiago probably had a stronger defense than Servite, but didn’t have the offensive weapons to make plays. Shoemate combined his running and pass-catching abilities to keep the Sharks off balance and Portis provided a great compliment to Shoemate’s style.

Throw in a number of procedure and holding penalties, and Santiago has some things to work on next week.

‘We’ve got to fix those situations,’ said Santiago Coach Steve Mitchell. ‘Our effort and our passion tonight, those are the things that are going to help us move forward.’

Mitchell credited his defense for keeping the Sharks in the game. They forced Servite kicker Michael Loftus to kick five long field goals and he missed four. The first touchdown for Servite came after the Sharks turned the ball over on their own 17.

‘I think our defense really put the pressure on them,’ Mitchell said.

Look for another Mountain View League-Trinity League showdown in Week 5, when No. 4 Corona Centennial travels to No. 1 Mater Dei.

- Dan Arritt