Football: Gardena Serra is 3-0 but issues remain

Gardena Serra has played three solid opponents and gone 3-0, but the Cavaliers have trailed in the fourth quarter the last two games and their inability to run the ball effectively is a major concern considering they’ll have at least one and possibly two showdown games with West Hills Chaminade in the coming weeks.

Coach Scott Altenberg knows what Sherman Oaks Notre Dame did to hold the Cavaliers scoreless through three quarters on Friday will be tried again. Serra won in double overtime.

“It was a great plan,” Altenberg said. “They rushed three guys and sat back and made us try to go for a three-run home run.”

Serra tried to go for big plays instead of patiently driving down field. In the end, two touchdown receptions by Adoree’ Jackson from quarterback Jalen Greene saved the day.

Good opponents find a way to exploit a weakness, so Serra must improve its running game.

Eric.sondheimer@latimes.com