Notre Dame Doesn’t Let Down

GARDENA —  With their starting right tackle, Peter Forlano, lying in intensive care at a Burbank hospital after undergoing brain surgery earlier this week, it would have been understandable for the Notre Dame High football team to have had a letdown Friday night.

But the Knights, ranked No. 5 by The Times, convincingly defeated Mission League newcomer Gardena Serra, 17-6, at Serra in the league opener for both teams.

“I was real happy with the way our team performed tonight after all they had gone through this week,” Knight Coach Kevin Rooney said.

Notre Dame (5-1) capitalized on several turnovers by Serra (4-2).

Notre Dame scored on its first possession when quarterback Ryan Bowen connected with Robbie Brewster on a six-yard pass play for a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.

The Knights added a one-yard touchdown run by Don Ebenhoch and a 32-yard field goal by Chris Sailer.