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LOS ALAMITOS — Pauliasi “PJ” Faaoso, a sophomore offensive lineman for the Serra football team, had never played on the other side of the line of scrimmage. That changed Friday night with his team facing an 11-point deficit at halftime. Faaoso was called upon to play both ways for the remainder of the game after Serra’s defense had trouble containing Los Alamitos’ explosive plays in the first half. Serra allowed just six points after halftime, and on the other side of the ball, Faaoso helped pave the way for running back A.J. McBean’s three touchdowns in a 34-23 victory. Serra (2-1) handed Los Alamitos (0-3) its third consecutive loss. “Wherever my team needs me, I’ll step up whenever they need me at,” Faaoso said. “Just telling my defense, ‘We need the ball, we need the ball’ and giving a great opportunity to go score.” Serra once again rode the legs of McBean, who had 136 of his 175 rushing yards and all three of his touchdowns in the second half. The Mira Costa transfer is averaging 140.3 rushing yards and has eight touchdowns through his first three games with Serra. “We were a little sloppy in that first half. We really picked it up,” McBean said. “My guy PJ right here, he blocks his butt off. That’s really what changed the game. Our line did really good, quarterbacks stepped up, receivers stepped up — everybody had a crazy second half.” Serra’s early issues included five first-half penalties and a possession late in the second quarter that reached the Los Alamitos 8-yard line but produced no points. The Griffins were unable to hold on despite a fast start from quarterback Elijah McDaniel, who is still competing to become the permanent starter. McDaniel, who threw two touchdown passes without an interception, had 111 of his 186 passing yards in the first half. Los Alamitos led 17-6 at halftime. “We came out, and we really focused on the small details in practice,” Los Alamitos coach Rory Schoonmaker said of the fast start. “We still have guys battling for a starting quarterback job, so I think the way we played last week lit a fire under some guys. “I would tell you (McDaniel) had a very good first half. Second half, we missed a read or two, here and there. It certainly wasn’t the only factor. We had some issues not establishing a better run game in the second half.” Serra’s defense allowed just 13 combined yards on Los Alamitos’ first two drives after halftime. Running backs Kamden Tillis and Finn Kelly combined for 71 yards and a touchdown before halftime, but Los Alamitos rushed for just 25 yards the rest of the game. Serra coach Scott Altenberg said Faaoso’s presence, along with the decision to move defensive lineman Kalani Domael to defensive end, helped make a difference. “We had some adjustments we had to make to what they were doing,” Altenberg said. “We’re young, so we weren’t able to make those adjustments until we got in here at halftime.” Serra capitalized with touchdowns on its next two possessions. Reserve running back James Robinson’s 4-yard touchdown with 11:56 left in the fourth quarter gave the Cavaliers their first lead, 20-17. 4Q (11:56): Serra 19, Los Alamitos 17 @breezepreps @ocvarsity Serra RB James Robinson on the 4-yd TD run to open the quarter and give the Cavaliers their first lead of the night pic.twitter.com/cCqHP6M79I — Tracy McDannald 📎 (@Tracy_McDannald) September 5, 2026 Los Alamitos answered on the ensuing drive when McDaniel connected with receiver Leo Swietlikowski for a 54-yard touchdown. Serra defensive back Derrick Coleman Jr. blocked the extra-point attempt to keep the deficit at 23-20 with 10:07 remaining. McBean put Serra back in front, 27-23, with his second touchdown, capping a six-play drive with a 29-yard run with 6:55 remaining. Serra’s defense forced a three-and-out, and its passing game helped seal the victory on the next possession. Facing fourth-and-9 at the Los Alamitos 23, freshman quarterback Hassir Houston found receiver Ikeem Crawford for a 17-yard completion and a first down with 1:53 remaining. Crawford made the catch along the sideline while staying in bounds despite tight coverage. Three plays later, McBean put the finishing touches on the victory with his third touchdown. 4Q (1:32): Serra 34, Los Alamitos 23 @breezepreps @ocvarsity A third rushing TD from RB A.J. McBean — all in second half. Now has 175 yds rushing by my count. pic.twitter.com/gJjuMOpfS3 — Tracy McDannald 📎 (@Tracy_McDannald) September 5, 2026 Altenberg was impressed with Houston’s continued poise after the freshman made his second consecutive start. Season-opening starter Malik Tunai was on a scooter with his right foot in a boot. “(Houston) is a special kid,” Altenberg said of the fourth-down conversion. “He’s got a long way to go because he made some mistakes and stuff, but he has a lot of moxie.” Houston finished 11 of 16 passing for 217 yards and a touchdown without an interception. Receiver Ryan Bose had three catches for 38 yards and a first-half touchdown. Serra hosts Orange Lutheran on Friday, Sept. 11, and Los Alamitos plays at Downey. 1Q (2:23): Los Alamitos 7, Serra 6 @breezepreps @ocvarsity QB Hassir Houston to WR Ryan Bose on the 19-yd jump ball TD. Serra missed the PAT. pic.twitter.com/mvuq9I85mp — Tracy McDannald 📎 (@Tracy_McDannald) September 5, 2026