No. 1 Servite dominates, snaps Oceanside's streak

COSTA MESA – Servite made sure the showdown between state champions wasn't even close.

The reigning state Division II bowl champion Friars followed their defense's lead to a 31-7 victory against defending state Division I bowl champion Oceanside in an anticipated season opener at Orange Coast College on Thursday.

In snapping the Pirates' state-leading 39-game unbeaten streak, the Friars forced six turnovers – leading to 17 points.

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Servite led 31-0 after three quarters in their matchup against Coach John Carroll, the Friars' defensive coordinator in their championship seasons in the early 1980s.

"It's a huge win for our program, mostly because of the respect we have for Coach Carroll," Servite coach Troy Thomas said.

Servite defensive tackle Jody Thomas (5-foot-10, 230 pounds) had a huge night. The senior returned a fumble for a touchdown, grabbed two interceptions, collected one sack and had one tackle for a loss.

Defensive backs Jordan Jones and Cameron Farrell also had interceptions for Servite, ranked No. 1 in the county.

"Just playing for each other," Jody Thomas said. "We just watched our film. We read our keys and just made great plays as a team. I just hope it's a great season."

The defensive lineman said Servite played selfishly in its scrimmage last week against Serra of Gardena. The Friars certainly looked united against Oceanside, especially on defense.

Defensive end Jherremya Leuta-Douyere had a sack in the second quarter that led to Thomas' touchdown. The junior forced the fumble by sacking Oceanside quarterback Tofi Pao Pao.

Thomas showed his sure hands and quick feet by picking up the ball in traffic and darting 10 yards for the touchdown.

Thomas also grabbed two interceptions on short passes, displaying the agility that allows him to play fullback.

Early in the second quarter, Jones returned his interception 43 yards along the sideline to Oceanside's 21-yard line. Jones' burst helped set up a 19-yard field goal by Connor Loftus, who gave the Friars a 10-0 lead.

Oceanside scored about three minutes in the fourth quarter on a 7-yard run Noah Tarrant. The Pirates scored against mostly against reserves, but the Friars' second unit had the final say.

Servite stopped Tarrant on a fourth-and-goal from the Friars' 1 with 2:33 left in the fourth, drawing several fist pumps from the defensive-minded Troy Thomas.

Servite ended the game by sacking Pao near the Friars' 7.

The Friars unleashed Butch Pauu on offense in the second half. After playing mostly linebacker in the first half, the versatile junior caught a 17-yard touchdown as a tight end from first-year starter Cody Pittman to cap an 80-yard drive.

A second interception by Thomas ended Oceanside's first drive of the second half. Servite took over at Oceanside's 17 and two plays later, Pauu took a direct snap as the Wildcat quarterback and scored on a run as the Friars opened a 31-0 lead.

Servite will play at Oceanside next season.