Serra gets first real victory under Hartigan

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San Juan Capistrano Serra won its game Friday, giving Coach Jim Hartigan his first on-field victory at the school.

Serra beat Estancia, 35-19, providing the Lions their first victory over a school that wasn’t Division XII-caliber or lower.

‘You know, we kind of felt like we let the game against Lakeside get away from us,’ Hartigan said of a loss in which the score was tied at halftime, and which turned on an interception returned for a touchdown. ‘We really focused. If we’re going to win, this had to be the week. More importantly, offensively we executed. They were focused this week’

The Lions have shown a steady progression through their first three weeks under the former Santa Margarita coach. They were beaten, 42-0, by Village Christian in the first week; lost to Lakeside, 28-7, and then beat Estancia, 35-19, as quarterback Sam Inman and Bobby Brown each rushed for two scores .

On Friday, Serra plays Garden Grove Pacifica, which should be a tough test -- albeit still not as tough as what the Lions will face in the Trinity League.

Because Village Christian had to forfeit its victory, Serra is 2-1.

- Martin Henderson