S.C. CHRISTIAN: FIRST WOULD BE A FIRST.

Byline: Richard Perkins Staff Writer

The Santa Clarita Christian eight-man football team will be looking for three wins in a row Saturday at 1 p.m.. After having dealt with a disappointing season last year (0-9) and getting off to a rough start this season, the Cardinals will get a shot at L.A. Lutheran of Sylmar - and a shot to catch the first-place team in the Heritage League - at home.

Santa Clarita beat Pilgrim of Los Angeles 48-12 last week.

``They're doing a lot better, playing more aggressive football right now,'' Santa Clarita Christian coach Garrick Moss said.

The Cardinals' recent progress can be attributed, in part, to the core of seniors who lead the team.

Caleb Sulham came up big in the Pilgrim game, going 8 for 11 and tossing four touchdown passes. Cornerback Matt Ganz had 11 tackles and an interception, and also was on the receiving end of two of Sulham's touchdowns.

And there's lineman Jon Morse, who, according to Moss, often is overlooked.

``Orlandi Pena gained 79 yards on the ground, and most of it was behind Morse,'' Moss said.

Despite the recent success, the L.A. Lutheran game will be a challenge.

``We need to play like we have the last couple of weeks. Solid defense and execution on offense,'' Moss said. ``They have a good offense that likes to mix it up and give you lots of looks. They're a good team.''

--Life at the top: If Santa Clarita Christian beats L.A. Lutheran, it will be doing more than just tying for first place in the Heritage League. They will be in first place in league for the first time ever; the team has played a freelance schedule for years.