Football: Unbeaten L.A. Cathedral faces Gardena Serra on Friday

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L.A. Cathedral Coach Kevin Pearson has been known to come up with a surprise or two when facing Gardena Serra. He came out in a double-wing offensive formation trying to disrupt the Cavaliers in 2008 and 2009.

But on Friday night when the Phantoms (6-0) host Serra (4-2) in a Mission League game, Pearson plans to stick with what has gotten the team this far _ the passing of quarterback Hayden Rettig. Rettig has passed for 1,589 yards and 25 touchdowns.

‘We’re going to do what we do,’ Pearson said. ‘It’s who we are.’

This game will come down to turnovers. Interceptions and fumbles have been the primary reason for Serra’s defeats to Narbonne and Chaminade. Last week, Serra quarterback Jalen Greene was intercepted twice. Chaminade rallied from a 20-7 deficit to defeat the Cavaliers, 28-20. It was Serra’s first league defeat since 2006.

Serra Coach Scott Altenberg said he has been trying to teach Greene the value of throwing away a pass or taking a sack to fight on another play rather than risk a turnover.

‘He’s so good when a play breaks down but there’s a negative to that,’ he said. ‘He’s afraid to give away any play, and I’m trying to teach him it’s OK to give away a play.’

Offensive troubles have hampered the Cavaliers.

‘I’m the offensive coordinator,’ Altenberg said. ‘My job performance is under review.’

-- Eric Sondheimer