PHOTOS: Big defensive play helps lift undefeated Tustin past Crean Lutheran -

Tustin linebacker Tim Ioane intercepts a trick play pass and returns the ball 45 yards for a TD late in the second quarter as Crean Lutheran running back Taurian Nash attempts to catch up. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Tustin High School’s football team remained undefeated and kept its hopes alive for an Empire League title defeating Crean Lutheran 21-0 Friday night in front of an estimated 1,800 fans at Crean Lutheran.

The Tillers (8-0, 3-0) used a swarming defense to slow down a high powered Crean Lutheran offense, which scored 70 points in its first two league games. Crean Lutheran (6-2, 2-1) and Tustin came into the game tied for first place with Cypress (5-3, 3-0).

The biggest play of the game came in the second quarter when the Tillers’ Tim Ioane intercepted a pass on a trick play and returned it 45 yards for a score to put the Tillers ahead 14-0.

“That was a really big play for us,” said Tustin Coach Anthony Lopez. “Our defense played amazing tonight, they did a great job, I’m very proud of them, their offense is really good.”

Tustin held Crean Lutheran, which had been a solid running team, to under 50 yards rushing. The Tillers have allowed only seven points in three league games and notched two shutouts.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Tustin wide receiver Larry Allen walks off the field in between plays during the second quarter.

Tustin linebacker Tim Ioane celebrates his interception and touchdown with his teammates at the Tillers' sidelines.

Tustin head coach Anthony Lopéz looks on during the second quarter of the game.

Tustin running back Khristian Dunbar-Hawkins reacts after Crean Lutheran recovers a fumble late in the second quarter.

Crean Lutheran quarterback Jeremiah Finaly reads the Tustin defense before taking the snap.

Crean Lutheran wide receiver Ben Byszewski gains yards for the Saints during the second quarter.

Crean Lutheran free safety Ben Byszewski picks off a pass in the corner of the end zone during the second quarter.

Tustin running back Luke Doyle gains yardage for the Tillers during the first half of Friday night's game against Crean Lutheran.

Crean Lutheran head coach Rick Curtis reads his team from the Saints' sidelines.

Tustin quarterback Jack Stupin releases a pass during the first half of Friday night's game against Crean Lutheran.

Tustin wide receiver MacKenzie Alleyne is contained by Crean Lutheran defensive tackle Tyler Parker.

Crean Lutheran linebacker Carter Jones looks over to the sidelines for the upcoming play.

Crean Lutheran defensive back Mason Gould talks to head coach Rick Curtis during the first quarter of Friday night's game against Tustin.

Tustin wide receiver MacKenzie Alleyne tries to stretch a gain as a combo of Crean Lutheran defenders pursue.

Tustin wide receiver Marques Guzman (No. 8) celebrates with fellow Tillers after hauling in a touchdown catch in the first quarter.

Tustin receiver Marques Guzman celebrates in jubilation after hauling in a touchdown catch in the first quarter.

Tustin quarterback Jack Stupin releases a pass as he is pressured by the Crean Lutheran defensive line.

Tustin wide receiver Larry Allen checks in with officials to remain an eligible player.

Crean Lutheran wide receivers Luke Doyle (2) and Caden Jones (3) look over to the Saints' sidelines for the upcoming play.

Crean Lutheran quarterback Jeremiah Finaly releases a pass as he is pressured by Tustin's Marques Guzman during the first quarter of Friday's Sunset League showdown.

Crean Lutheran receiver Robert Smith returns the opening kickoff for the Saints as he is pursued by a Tustin defender.

Crean Lutheran receiver Robert Smith returns the opening kickoff for the Saints as he is pursued by a set of Tustin defenders.

Tustin Players run over to the field prior to the opening kickoff.

Crean Lutheran players run over to the field prior to the opening kickoff.

Tustin captains Jack Stupin, Seth Wander, Khristian Dunbar-Hawkins, and Marques Guzman walk over to the center of the field for the coin toss.

Tustin linebacker Tim Ioane poses for the camera after the end of the first half.

Tustin captains Jack Stupin, Seth Wander, Khristian Dunbar-Hawkins, and Marques Guzman walk over to the center of the field for the coin toss.

Crean Lutheran captains Carter Jones, Justin Dominguez, Kellen Cosenza, and
Ben Buettell check in with an official prior to the coin toss.

Members of the Crean Lutheran Blue Zone student section pose for the cameras at halftime.

Crean Luthern spirit squad members cheer on the Saints.

Tillers quarterback Jack Stupin was effective, passing for 185 yards and two touchdown passes, a 19-yard pass to Marques Guzman in the first quarter and a 57-yard TD pass to MacKenzie Alleyne in the fourth quarter that sealed the win.

The Tillers also got strong production from running back Elmesse Essis, who helped Tustin get into scoring position rushing for 155 yards. Alleyne had three catches for 68 yards.

“Offensively, we knew they were going to give us a little bit of trouble,” Lopez said. “They did a great job defensively. We needed an ugly game like that because we hadn’t had one yet offensively, so it was good.”

Crean Lutheran quarterback Jeremiah Finaly led his team offensively with 127 yards passing and Luke Doyle four catches for 26 yards but the lack of a running game hurt the Saints. Troy Hill and Ben Byszewski had interceptions in the first half for the Saints.

“I thought we played really well defensively,” said Crean Lutheran Coach Rick Curtis. “Offensively, we really had trouble. Their defense is really good, we just couldn’t run the ball like we wanted to and loosen them up a little bit. That was frustrating and we had the pick six that really hurt us,.

“That was kind of a trick play, it looked like it was going to go good the other way and next thing you know it’s going their way. But they’re a great football team and they do a good coaching job. But I was really proud of the way our kids played tonight, they played really hard and hit hard.”

Crean Lutheran can still share the league title but needs to defeat Cypress next Saturday at Western.

“We have a big game next week,” Curtis said. “We’re still in the run for a league championship, we have to beat Cypress and Cypress has to beat Tustin and force a three-way tie. That’s what we’re hoping for right now. We have to stay focused, we got a good football team, I’m proud of them.”

Tustin has league games remaining vs. Pacifica Friday and Friday, Oct. 27 vs. Cypress at Tustin. Tustin shared the league title with Cypress and Pacifica in 2021.

“One week at a time,” Lopez said. “Playoffs are coming up pretty soon here but wherever we land, we land, but we want to win every game and strive for that 10-0 season and league championship.”