Verbum Dei’s Trickery Works in Win Over Serra

Serra High gave up a disputed touchdown in the last minute of its game Saturday afternoon against Verbum Dei and lost, 20-13, in a Camino Real League opener at Compton College.

The game may be the last between the rivals for some time, because Serra is moving to the Mission League in 1994.

Trailing, 13-12, with 20 seconds left, Verbum Dei lined up for a 36-yard field goal attempt. Holder David Williams took the high snap, rolled to his right and passed to Jason Steen in the end zone.

Steen dove to make the catch, but lost the ball as he landed out of bounds. The officials ruled that Steen caught the ball, giving the Eagles the game-winning touchdown.

Verbum Dei (2-2) drove 75 yards in the last two minutes for the touchdown. Helping the Eagle drive were two pass interference calls against the Cavaliers, including one that gave the Eagles a first-and-10 at Serra’s 11-yard line.

“That was the worst call I’ve ever seen in my life,” Serra Coach Kevin Crawley said.

Also adding confusion to the situation was the fact the stadium clock was not operating.

Crawley said his team, which he said played with a lack of intensity, must take responsibility for the loss. Last year Verbum Dei tied Serra, 8-8, forcing the Cavaliers to share the league title with St. Monica.

“If you can’t get up for this game, you can’t get up for anybody,” Crawley said. “But give Verbum Dei credit, they kept the ball going.”