Fueled by a stellar defensive performance, the Gardena Serra Cavaliers beat the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits 20-12 Friday night to notch their second victory in a row over a tough opponent.

Serra capitalized off two first-quarter fumbles by LB Poly. Quarterback Jalen Greene cashed in both turnovers with touchdown passes to Taz Bateman and Darrell Fuery respectively to take an early 14-0 lead. Senior linebacker Ardis Perez caused a fumble after sacking LB Poly QB Eban Jackson, and Nicholas Usher (LB/2013) scooped up the loose ball for the recovery.

Poly answered back with a touchdown drive to cut the deficit but failed to convert the point after try. Serra held a 14-6 advantage at the half.

Both defenses continued to play well in the second half. Serra defensive back Jalen Jones made a diving interception to snuff out a Jackrabbits drive. Playmaker Adoree' Jackson made several big plays on defense, in the return game and on punt coverage.

Serra was able to extend the lead on a clutch fourth down touchdown pass by Greene to Jordan Lasley that gave the Cavaliers a 20-6 advantage.

Poly mounted a late rally and cut into the lead when quarterback Eban Jackson connected with Thomas Tucker on a 21-yard touchdown strike with 39 seconds left in the game. The ensuing onside kick was recovered by Serra. A few kneel downs later and the Cavaliers were victorious.

CLA was on the sidelines to witness the hard hitting intense action and caught up with a few stars of the game.