Maybe Patrick Walsh was on to something back in the spring of 2001 when he was hired as Serra's head football coach. He referred to the Padres, a rather unremarkable non-factor in the WCAL title picture for a full generation, as a "sleeping giant." He was right. Since Walsh took over the reins at the all-male Catholic school in San Mateo, his teams have amassed an overall 180-77-1 record (third best among all prep football coaches in San Mateo County history), heading into Saturday's 2022 WCAL finale at home vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral. Unbeaten Serra has already secured a tie for this year's league crown. It's Walsh's ninth WCAL championship, either shared or won outright. This year's team, 9-0, remains No.1 in Northern California with Central Coast Section playoffs looming. A 10-0 regular season mark would be the school's first. Serra opened in 1944. Its varsity football team made its debut in 1946.
Last edited: