Football: It was all about turnovers for Gardena Serra

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For Gardena Serra, it’s all about turnovers. When the Cavaliers take care of the ball, they don’t lose.

And on Friday night in the Western Division championship game against West Hills Chaminade, the big statistic told the story: zero turnovers for Serra. Guess who won? Serra, 30-28.

‘Zero turnovers equals victory,’ Coach Scott Altenberg said.

When the two teams played the first time, turnovers killed Serra, and Chaminade won.

Serra’s two fantastic junior defensive players, Adoree’ Jackson and Dwight Williams, came through this time. Jackson had a fake punt for a touchdown. Williams had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

Chaminade and Serra are going to get to know each other well. They might end up playing two more times in 2013 like they did this season. Serra returns 10 starters on defense. Chaminade returns quarterback Brad Kaaya, running back Donovan Lee and many others.

Now Serra waits to learn on Sunday whether it will be given a CIF regional bowl berth in Division II.

‘It’s wait and see,’ Altenberg said. ‘Whatever way it goes, I’m OK.’

Jackson will eagerly wait to hear the news, because he’s a basketball player, too. If football season goes for another week, he’s going to have to hold off on dunk practice. Then it’s on to track season, where he’s going to try to set a national record in the long jump.

There’s no better athlete in Southern California than Adoree’ Jackson. And we get to see him again in 2013. It’s so exciting.

-- Eric Sondheimer