HS FOOT: Notre Dame short-handed vs. Saugus tonight

Notre Dame is dealing with major injuries heading into tonight's game against visiting Saugus here in Sherman Oaks, as starters Tom Drachkovitch (defensive back) and Taylor Cressy (offensive guard) are not available.

Drachovitch has been out with a knee injury since the second week of the season, and Cressy (shoulder) was injured against Birmingham last week.

They're about to kickoff. Notre Dame is 9-0 in the series, but that does not faze Saugus coach Jason Bornn.

"I wasn't even here for half of those losses, and the ones I was here for we were still growing," Bornn said.

The first eight loses were by 14 points or more. Last year's result was closer -- 38-35 -- but still a Notre Dame victory.

I'm side by side right now with noted wordsmith Sean Ceglinsky from the L.A. Times, so I will try to really be on point tonight. I'll update when I can -- probably at halftime and after the game.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com