MISSION VIEJO - JSerra stepped onto the Saddleback College field having taken huge steps forward in its young football program. Still, those steps led into the fire on Friday.

After opening the season with five consecutive victories, the Lions opened Trinity League play against No. 4 Orange Lutheran. Though the improvement from last season was obvious, the result was the same as the Lancers beat JSerra, 35-3, as the latter made a huge step up in competition level.

Lutheran (5-1, 1-0), ranked No. 3 in the Southern Section’s Pac-5 Division, step into its own fire next week when it faces undefeated St. John Bosco of Bellflower, which is ranked ninth.

Lutheran was looking for consistency on offense as it heads toward that game, but two first-half turnovers created a far different complexion than last year’s game in which Lutheran scored 51, all in the first half, of its 51-7 victory over Jserra (5-1, 0-1). Lutheran, with only 11 turnovers last season, committed 12 in its first two games.

“Take away the two turnovers, and I thought it was a good outing,” said Lutheran Coach Jim Kunau, who had high praise for his opponent. “JSerra played well, hard and disciplined.
“By next year, they’ll be similar to the other Trinity League teams.”

Bobby Wheatley completed 18 of 25 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown of 33 yards to Davonte Anderson. Playing without leading rusher Exavier Edwards, who was sick, Damani Wilson rushed nine times for 148 yards and scores of 20, 8 and 78 yards.

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com