Mustangs' Defense Preparing to Fly

It's a little too early in the prep season to use descriptions like the unstoppable force versus the immovable object. But when a defense holds its first opponent to just 96 yards of total offense and is preparing to stop an offense racking up more than 430 yards per game, hyperbole is not completely out of order.

That defense belongs to Mira Costa High, which Thursday will face the high-flying offense from Gardena Serra at El Camino College.

When the teams meet, it will not be for the first time. The Mustangs and Cavaliers participated in summer 7-on-7 passing leagues in the South Bay.

"We had a good look at their quickness and their tremendous speed," Mira Costa defensive coordinator Ray Lee said. "Especially before games start, it's good to see non-practice speed; during those summer competitions there is a bit more intensity and competiveness on display."

Serra returns senior quarterback Conner Preston, who has completed an amazing 27 of 29 passes this season. Although those numbers are intimidating, his two incompletions are interceptions, leaving some room for optimism, which along with preparation is exactly what gives the Mustangs confidence going into the matchup between defending CIF division champions.

"We've had two weeks of preparation and we had a good look at their skill guys,"cornerback Dante Bavis said. "I feel comfortable playing man against their wideouts. We just need to keep everyone in front of us and swarm to the ball."

Serra returns talented seniors George Farmer and Marqise Lee, who have accounted for six touchdowns and more than 35 yards per reception in their first two games. 

"I think what you see from Serra's passing game is not only the athleticism and talent, but they are experienced and have great rhythm in the passing game," coach Don Morrow said. "It is going to be an excellent test for our defense."

In addition to the passing game, Serra also returns 1,000-yard running back Shaquille Richard to give the Cavaliers balance from their shotgun attack.

"During summer passing league, we hung with them very well," linebacker Noah Rossi said. "They can be slippery in the open field, and I think we proved we have ability to play them straight up and have success."

"Serra has out-of-this-world athletes," Ray Lee said. "They have the ability to turn any play into a touchdown. They get the ball into the hands of their playmakers as soon as possible and it will be key for us to make tackles before they can break off the big play."

Lee's defense was stout in a 10-7 loss to Loyola in the season opener two weeks ago. The Mustangs allowed only 96 yards, and the only touchdown came on a short field following a blocked punt that gave Loyola the ball deep in Mustangs' territory.

"Overall, the effort was terrific, the players are doing what is expected of them, and unfortunately the overall outcome was not what we wanted," Lee said.

The Mustangs lost a couple starters in their opening game as inside linebacker Hunter Santini hurt his knee, and safety J.R. Oshima will be sidelined due to a foot injury.

"We have capable players to fill in and it's an opportunity for our defense to rally around each other and help out," Lee said.

The Mustangs will need all the help they can get, as the Serra offense is averaging 431 yards and 35.5 points per game this season. 

"We have a tradition on defense and we are going to take what we've been coached and look to execute," linebacker Geoff LaPointe said.