Gardena Serra was hoping to experience the trip of a lifetime and participate in the Beehive Classic in Salt Lake City, Utah this weekend. After a late change in plans and cancellations of air travel that was initially to be provided by the tournament's sponsors, the Serra and Long Beach Poly boys were left with two choices.

The Gardena Serra Cavaliers pulled out a thrilling 26-23 road victory over the Notre Dame (CA) Knights in front of a raucous crowd in Sherman Oaks Friday night.

The first half was dominated by the defensive side of the ball as both teams struggled to produce. Notre Dame led 3-0 at the intermission.

The second half got off to a dramatic start when Serra forced a fumble on the opening kickoff after a crushing hit by the Cavaliers defender Malik Roberson.

Practice has been good this week. We have all mentally and physically prepared ourselves for this challenge versus Notre Dame this week. Last year we lost our first opening game versus Notre Dame since 2007 and then we lost in the 1st Round of playoffs to Culver City. It hurt our team badly. We want to seek redemption and put everything we have on the field tomorrow.

The NCAA football recruiting trail is heating up. Several top juniors and upcoming seniors are beginning to get a feel for exactly which Division I colleges are interested in their services. Standing 6'6" and tipping the scales at 340 pounds, it's no mystery that Emerald Faletuipapai has the size to play at the next level. The great thing about Big Em' is that he doesn't solely rely on his size and is eager to improve. "The first week of spring football went by great. I'm looking forward to the upcoming practices as the week progresses," Emerald told CLA.

A few weeks ago, CLA readers got their first look at Gardena Serra colossal offensive lineman Emerald Faletuipapai and his plans to dominate the competition for the Cavaliers this upcoming season.

The next step in Faletuipapai’s preparation will take place at the Los Angeles Nike Football Training Camp at Cerritos College on Sunday.

After two seasons at Carson, Austin Vaimili transferred to Gardena Serra to fully develop his potential in hopes of landing with a Division I college football program in 2013. Unable to play varsity as a junior due to transfer rules, Vaimili excelled with the junior varsity last season, compiling 10 sacks , 48 tackles, 5 fumble recoveries, 4 forced fumbles, a touchdown and an interception.

Gardena Serra has been a Division I football factory for some time now. The school has produced numerous top notch prospects including USC receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee and George Farmer. Offensive lineman Emerald Faletuipapai is a mountain of a man and will surely carry on the proud Serra tradition.

After redshirting last season, former Serra High star quarterback Conner Preston is primed to make a big impact for the SMU Mustangs in 2012. With J..J. McDermott graduating and Kyle Padron transferring, the starting quarterback position is Preston’s for the taking. The expected arrival of former Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert in June should raise the competition but we anticipate Preston seizing the reigns under center.