PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran captures season opening win in Denver over Mullen Catholic

Caleb Bey of Crean Lutheran gets past defenders for a TD Friday night. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs / Ted Rigoni).

Crean Lutheran High School’s football team traveled to Denver in its first out of state trip for the football program and captured a 35-12 victory Friday night over Mullen Catholic.

Saints quarterback Caden Jones completed 25 of 31 passes for 262 yards and two touchdown passes and also rushed for a touchdown.

Caleb Bey led the Saints rushing attack with 12 rushes for 87 yards with a long run of 43 yards. Taurian Nash added two rushing touchdown rushing for 30 yards on six carries.

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

Crean Lutheran coach Rick Curtis talks to his players after the game.

Drew Deese of Crean Lutheran leans forward for a gain.

Connor Stephens of Crean Lutheran kicks an extra point.

Carter Jones of Crean Lutheran reaches out to try and make a tackle.

The Saints Taurian Nash plunges over for a score.

Ben Byszewski scores a TD for Crean Lutheran.

Crean Lutheran players celebrate a touchdown Friday night.

Crean Lutheran players after Friday's game.

Dillon Booth (seven receptions for 71 yards) and Drew Deese (six receptions for 105 yards) were the top receivers. Deese and Ben Byszewski had the touchdown receptions for the Saints. 

“Mason McCullough and Ryder Barnes led a swarming defense that shut down the Mustangs rushing attack and harassed the Mullen quarterback throughout the evening,” said Crean Lutheran Coach Rick Curtis.  “McCullough had eight tackles, two pressures of the QB and an interception that he returned for 26 yards.

“Ryder Barnes was all over the field with one sack, three tackles for a loss, eight total tackles, a forced fumble and one quarterback pressure. Tyler Parker also had a solid game with 10 total tackles and one QB pressure. 

Dillon Booth had an interception and Taurian Nash had fumble recovery to go with his six total tackles and one quarterback pressure. 

Crean Lutheran’s All-Orange County kicker Connor Stephens picked up where he left off last year with a perfectly executed onside kick, four touchbacks and also went 4 for 4 on PAT’s, according to Curtis.

Bey had a 36-yard kickoff return and Javari Nash blocked a punt to give the Saints great field position.

“The offensive line of Ethan Stirrat, Tyler Garcia, Kyler Petronis, Grant Culbertson and Heinrich Shriver was the strength of the team Friday night, opening up holes for the running backs and protecting Jones throughout the night,” Curtis said.