First look at Crean Lutheran football: Coach Curtis says Saints embracing challenge

Nolan Folsom of Crean Lutheran tries to break a tackle in a game last season. (File photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs/Howard Lyon)

Crean Lutheran High School’s first year coach Rick Curtis said he is looking forward to guiding the Saints in the upcoming football season.

Under the CIF plan, the football season is scheduled to begin in January 2021.

“Our expectations are high as the kids have really embraced the challenge of competing in the Empire League,” Curtis said. “I have been really impressed with how they have accepted our coaching and the change in culture we have going on here at Crean Lutheran.

“All are really working hard (administration, coaches, players and parents) in establishing a solid football program, one that is competitive and strives for excellence.”

Curtis said the offense will be led by junior quarterback Brody Jones, senior running back Nolan Folsom, senior wide receiver Matt Mahoney, senior center Sammy McMillan and senior tight end Evan Olbricht.

Senior Connor Grace returns to handle the punts and kick-offs for the Saints.

The defense is expected to be led by senior end Sam Held, senior linemen Caeden Chase and Graham Wyckoff and senior linebacker Blake Slezak.

Top newcomers are sophomore halfback James Derflinger, junior wide receiver Jack Fairchild, sophomore strong safety Andrew Duberow, sophomore lineman Cristian Viola, sophomore wide receiver Jake Ramirez, sophomore quarterback Gavin Rogers and junior runningback/linebacker Bradly Cooper, a transfer from Orange Lutheran.

Crean Lutheran is still looking to fill week one of its schedule. Home games are scheduled to be held on the campus stadium at Crean Lutheran but if health guidelines require more physical distancing, they could be moved to Portola, Curtis said.

Crean Lutheran was 3-7 last year under Randall Reynoso, who resigned to take the head coaching job at El Toro. Crean Lutheran was 0-5 in the Empire League last year.

2021 CREAN LUTHERAN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 15, Bellflower (H)

Thurday, Jan. 21, at Fairmont Prep

Friday, Jan. 29, at Village Christian

Friday, Feb. 5, Calvary Chapel (H)

Thursday, Feb. 11, at Tustin

Friday, Feb. 19, vs. Cypress (H)

Thursday, Feb. 25, Kennedy (At Western)

Friday, March 5, Valencia (H)

Thursday, March 11, vs. Pacifica at Bolsa Grande

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