Serra Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive With Win Over Notre Dame
A 20-13 victory against Notre Dame secures a vital win for Serra in Sherman Oaks.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football
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Serra defeated Notre Dame 20-13 to keep its postseason playoff hopes alive. A critical defensive stop on the final play preserved the narrow victory in Sherman Oaks.
Why it matters
Coming into the game with a 5-5 record, Serra needed the win to remain in contention for the upcoming postseason. The outcome significantly impacts their standing as the team looks toward the playoff bracket reveal.
Serra quarterback Hassir Houston recorded touchdown passes of 37 yards to Ikeem Crawford and 16 yards to Chris Cole, while Noel Washington added a 27-yard touchdown run. Notre Dame countered with two field goals from Charlie Szaras, trailing 13-10 at halftime.
The players
Hassir Houston
He is the starting quarterback for Serra who threw two critical touchdown passes in the victory.
Ikeem Crawford
He is a primary receiver for Serra who caught a 37-yard touchdown pass during the game.
Chris Cole
He is a wide receiver for Serra who hauled in a 16-yard touchdown pass from Houston.
Noel Washington
He is a running back for Serra who scored on a 27-yard rushing play.
Charlie Szaras
He is a kicker for Notre Dame who provided the team's scoring through two field goals.
The details
Serra secured the defensive win by stopping Tahj Skinner on the final play of the game. The team also maintained its lead by preventing a second field goal from Szaras during the first half.
Timeline
The football game between Serra and Notre Dame took place on October 30, 2026.
Southern Section playoff pairings are scheduled to be announced on November 1, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This win fundamentally shifts Serra's trajectory from a potential end-of-season exit to a spot in the upcoming playoff bracket. The result directly influences the Southern Section playoff qualification standards by keeping a 5-5 team in the postseason conversation.
The win elevates Serra's playoff probability, directly impacting their seeding in the Southern Section tournament. Readers tracking the bracket should watch for the official announcement regarding Serra's first-round opponent.
The takeaway
Serra demonstrated late-game defensive resilience to keep its season alive under high-pressure conditions. Maintaining this defensive intensity will be essential for the team to compete against higher-seeded opponents in the upcoming playoffs.
What happens next
Southern Section playoff pairings are set to be announced on November 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the local high school sports scene, visit football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily News.
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