Crean Lutheran football team dedicates season in memory of Mary Curtis and wins opener

Crean Lutheran coach Rick Curtis (middle) was joined by (from right) the Jones family, including former player Steve Jones, Carter Jones, Steve Jones Sr. and Caden Jones. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran High School).

It was a special victory for Crean Lutheran football coach Rick Curtis Friday night.

Curtis was back at University High School, the site of the opener where he used to be the head coach and was able to celebrate with his team following a 41-7 non-league victory over Costa Mesa.

It was a home game for Crean Lutheran.

“It was a special night and season for me as this season is dedicated to Mary,” Curtis said Saturday.

Mary Curtis, Coach Curtis wife, died after a five-year battle with cancer on Oct. 13, 2021.

“Mary would say, ‘that’s a God’s nugget,'” Curtis said.

Also on hand at the game were Steve Jones, who played for Curtis at University and Jones’ son Carter Jones, a middle linebacker and tight end at Crean Lutheran.

Father and son joined Curtis along with Caden Jones, who plans to play for the Saints next year and Steve Jones Sr.

“When you coach long enough you get to coach your former player’s sons,” Curtis said.

It was a big night for the Saints on the field.

Quarterback Gavin Rogers led the way completing 8 of 11 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns.

Ty Benefield (a transfer from Santa Margarita) had two receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns, Jake Ramirez had two catches for 21 yards and a touchdown, Andrew Duberow had two rushing touchdowns, Eli Bray had five carries for 32 yards and a touchdown and Justin Dominguez had five carries for 36 yards.

Benefield was also the leading tackler with six, Bray had five and Daniel McEachern four.

Duberow and Ramirez had interceptions and Duberow had a fumble recovery. Connor Stephens made 5 of 6 point afters and also had six touchbacks on kickoffs.

“All phases played well,” Curtis said.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com