PHOTOS: Caden Jones propels Crean Lutheran to opening week victory over Mullen

Crean Lutheran quarterback Caden Jones calls a play. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano, Ted Rigoni, Samantha Burgett and Wendy Rueter).

After falling behind in the first quarter, Crean Lutheran’s football team turned it up a notch and rolled to a 30-14 non-league victory over an experienced and physical Mullen team from Denver, Colo. in the season opener Friday night at Crean Lutheran.

Junior QB Caden Jones led the offense by completing 20 of 29 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns.

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

Crean Lutheran players take the field for Friday's opener.

Crean Lutheran’s Dillon Booth Pulls in a TD catch.

Crean Lutheran QB Caden Jones throws a deep pass Friday.

Saints coach Coach Rick Curtis and players Celebrate the victory.

Crean Lutheran players gather for a pre-game prayer.

Crean Lutheran’s Dillon Booth picks up a first down.

Crean Lutheran’s Mark Ricks gains some yards.

The Crean Lutheran Blue Zone student section celebrates a TD.

Crean Lutheran spirit squad supports the Saints.

Dillon Booth of Crean Lutheran celebrates a TD with the help of teammate Erick Cruz.

Crean Lutheran's James Carrington makes a tackle for a loss.

Crean Lutheran students cheer on the Saints.

Crean Lutheran's Luke Kyser tries to evade Mullen's

Crean Lutheran players celebrate the victory.

Crean Lutheran free safety tackles Mullen's Dante Dupuch.

Coach Rick Curtis and his players and cheerleaders in a post-game prayer.

Bryce Coleman (six receptions for 94 yards, and one touchdown), Dylan Booth (five receptions for 81 yards, and two touchdowns), and Taiga Takada (four receptions for 94 yards) were the top receivers.

Caleb Bey added an 18-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to help break open a tight game that was tied at halftime 14-14, according to Coach Rick Curtis.

“The defensive line of Anthony Jones, Ryder Barnes, Tank Carrington, and Allitoa Nansen put constant pressure on the Mustang quarterback all evening long,” Curtis said. “Barnes recorded two sacks and seven pressures while Carrington added 11 pressures on the quarterback.

“The linebacking corps of Ethan Haugsland (eight total tackles), Aaron Nicasio (seven total tackles), and Mateo Muniz (five total tackles) were solid throughout the contest. Evan Mack led the secondary with nine tackles and two passes broken up while Aidan Smith (seven solos, two assists) and Mark Ricks (seven tackles, two assists) made key plays on defense and on the special teams units. 

“Eric Miao and Luke Kyser were the stars of the special teams units as they took over for all Orange County kicker, Connor Stephens, who graduated and held down the kicking chores for the last three years. Miao was good on 3 of his 4 PAT’s, connected on a 25-yard field goal to break the 14-14 tie in the third quarter, and had two touchbacks on his kickoffs. Kyser averaged 41.3 on his punts, including a 50 yarder that pinned the Mustangs back on their own 4-yard line.”

Curtis said he was impressed with the Saints effort. 

“Mullen came in with 16 returning starters so we were pleased with the play and intensity level of a lot of our players who had never seen varsity action before Friday night,” he said. “There is plenty of room for improvement, including cutting back on our defensive penalties, but overall we are excited about this team and the potential that we have.”

Next up

Crean Lutheran hosts St. Piux X St. Mathias Academy Friday at 7 p.m. St. Pius opened with a 36-20 road victory over Sierra Vista of Las Vegas.  

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