Crean Lutheran football team begins preparing for new challenges in 2024

Crean Lutheran football coach Rick Curtis leads his team out during a game in 2023. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs).

After a highly successful 2023 season, Coach Rick Curtis and his Crean Lutheran High School football players are preparing to compete in a challenging non-league schedule and a new league in the 2024 season.

“We are in the Epsilon League with Foothill, El Dorado, Laguna Hills, La Habra and Huntington Beach,” Curtis said.

Most Orange County football programs will be in new leagues for the coming season. The Trinity League is not affected.

“This is a big step up for our football program as we join a league with schools that all have excellent football traditions,” Curtis said. “All of the teams in the new Epsilon league and on our pre-league schedule were in the CIF playoffs in 2023.

“Our boys and coaches are embracing the challenge with a strong off-season lifting and speed training program. We are going to need it as we are facing the toughest schedule in Crean Lutheran’s history.”

Crean Lutheran, 8-4 a year ago continues to be moved up in CIF playoff divisions. The Saints advanced to the CIF Division 6 quarterfinal round last season, losing to Simi Valley 27-7.

“We have jumped six divisions within the last couple of years and will be moved up again if we have another successful season,” Curtis said. “It is a testament to the boys hard work and the support that we have received from our administration and the Crean Lutheran community. 

“We have added an out-of-state trip to Colorado to play Mullen, a Catholic school just outside of Denver. Everyone in the program is excited about our first out-of-state travel experience for our football program. We are looking for this trip to be a unique team-bonding experience.” 

Crean Lutheran will once again play its home games on campus.

2024 Schedule

All games 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 23, at Mullen, Colo.

Friday, Aug. 30, at St. Pius X

Friday, Sept. 6, (H) Liberty (Winchester)

Friday, Sept. 13 (H), San Juan Hills

Friday, Sept. 20, vs. La Serna at California HS

Epsilon League

Friday, Oct. 4, (H), vs. Foothill

Friday, Oct. 11, (H), vs. El Dorado

Friday, Oct. 18, at La Habra

Friday, Oct. 25, at Huntington Beach

Friday, Nov. 1, (H), vs. Laguna Hills

Send football news to timburt@ocsportszone.com; OC Sports Zone plans to publish 2024 schedules when available.