Nothing will be official until the season ends, but Gardena can already find solace on one matter: It is a better team now than it was last season.

The Panthers' 42-0 drubbing of South East on Friday in South Gate proved it - Gardena collecting its third straight victory to help it surpass last year's 2-8 mark.

"It feels good, it feels good," Panthers Coach Ed Lalau said. "Our kids are playing well. ... (But) this is the calm before the storm."

Some big games are coming up. For now, Gardena (3-1) can bask in this victory, accomplished mainly on the strength of its running game.

The Panthers rushed for 326 yards - 240 in the first half - and had 47 yards in the air.

South East (1-3) had negative 29 rushing yards in the first half. It finished with a total of 75 after not throwing the ball in the second half.

Gardena QB Keshawn Malone remained a steady influence, finishing 3-for-9 for 47 yards and a touchdown pass. He sat out the entire fourth quarter. His contributions came when he rushed the ball.

Malone amassed 153 yards on eight carries and two touchdowns, including a 78-yard run to close out the first half with a 35-0 lead.

Dezden Petty also provided a sturdy boost, rushing for 87 yards on 10 carries, including two touchdowns in the second quarter.

- Mario Aguirre

Source: DailyBreeze.com