The game of football is usually won in the trenches. Controlling the line of scrimmage is critical to a team's offensive success. Great quarterbacks are made to look mediocre without protection and time to sling the rock. That's why the left tackle is generally the second highest paid player on an NFL team after the quarterback.

The Gardena Serra Cavaliers pulled out a double overtime 20-13 victory over Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) in a wild contest that featured late game heroics from Adoree' Jackson and Jalen Greene.

Notre Dame controlled the game in the first half and jumped out to a 6-0 advantage with two field goals by senior kicker Lucas Alfonso. The Knights defense played great. Koa Farmer and Mike Little locked down the secondary and the Cavaliers were unable to mount much of an offensive attack for three quarters.

The Gardena Serra Cavaliers host the Notre Dame Knights (Sherman Oaks) Friday night in a rematch of last season's classic opener that Serra won 26-23 on a late touchdown by Marques Rodgers. Serra went on to win the state title and is a favorite to repeat again this season.

Despite being the thick of things with the 2014 recruiting class cycle, the class of 2015 is beginning to emerge and some of the top players are beginning to get their names out in the spotlight. One of those names is Keisean Lucier-South, the 6-foot-6, 215 lbs. defensive end from Orange (CA.) Lutheran.

The relentless pass-rusher already boasts offers from most of the Pac-12, Miami (Fl.), Tennessee and more. Plus, he's starting to get overall recognition as one of the top players in the nation. He's getting recognition as a five-star athlete as well.

Class of 2015 lock down cornerback Tarvarus McFadden from American Heritage in Plantation, FL possesses the size and speed to flourish at the next level. During the 7on7 circuit this spring, McFadden balled out for South Florida Express Elite squad.

CLA witnessed McFadden's talent first hand at the IMG 7v7 National Championships in Bradenton. The standout defensive back has already reeled in several scholarship offers with many more certainly to come.

Freedom High superstar running back Joe Mixon received his 50th scholarship offer from the Oregon Ducks recently. The primetime performer rushed for 1,443 yards and 20 touchdowns while snagging six receiving touchdowns for the Falcons last season. The highly coveted Mixon narrowed his extensive list of suitors to 10 a few weeks ago.

Four Pac-12 programs made the cut including Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and Cal. Perennial powers like Ohio State, Oklahoma and Florida remain in contention. Wisconsin, Texas A&M and Tennessee are still in the running as well.

Vincent Jackson Jr. is one of the most highly-touted recruits in the class of 2014. Jackson hails from Jesuit High School (Tampa, FL) and sits on roughly 40 official scholarship offers from some of the top college football programs across the country.

CLA spoke with Vincent today and he gave us some insight on what the recruiting landscape looks like at the moment.

"I really wanna play early. I'm not worried about how good a team has been in the past. I don't wanna sit for 2 or 3 years," Jackson told CLA.