Servite’s Offense Hits Stride, but Defense Suspect

Any doubts about the strength of the Anaheim Servite High football team’s offense were put to rest Saturday night. The defense may face some questions, however.

The Friars rolled up 402 yards of offense in defeating Los Angeles Loyola, 35-32, in a Serra League opener at Glendale High. The last time the Cubs allowed more points was in a 38-6 loss to Antelope Valley in 1995.

But Servite (6-0, 1-0) also gave up 20 points in the last 11 minutes, turning a one-sided game into a nailbiter that wasn’t settled until Sonny Kaesbauer intercepted a pass by Loyola quarterback Scott Deke with 1:59 remaining.

Servite, which did not score an offensive touchdown in a 7-0 victory over Huntington Beach Edison last week, got 147 yards and two touchdowns in 32 carries from sophomore running back Ken Ashley.

Ashley has been slowed by a broken left thumb. Wearing a cast on his left hand, he had three fumbles but lost only one. Ashley scored on a 19-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter to give the Friars a 14-6 lead, then added a three-yard scoring run with 1:35 left in the first half for a 21-12 lead.

Loyola (3-3, 0-1) turned the ball over on its first two possessions of the second half and Servite took advantage of both mistakes to go ahead, 35-12.