PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran captures solid win over Foothill in Epsilon League opener

Taurian Nash of Crean Lutheran lunges for a first down Friday night as Foothill’s Preston Smith (No. 11) and Caleb De La Trinidad defend. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Ted Rigoni).

Crean Lutheran High School’s football team had a highly-successful debut in the Epsilon League, defeating Foothill 38-20 Friday night at Crean Lutheran.

The Saints (5-1, 1-0) jumped out to a 24-6 lead at halftime and added more points in the second half against Foothill (3-3, 0-1). Crean Lutheran used to be in the Empire League.

“The offense under the direction of offensive coordinator Russ Oka had their best game of the year as they scored early and often,” Coach Rick Curtis said Sunday. “The balanced attack of 260 yards rushing and 206 yards passing kept the Knights on their heels throughout the evening.”

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

Freshman quarterback Dylan D’epifanio, substituting for injured QB Caden Jones, completed 19 of 24 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns for the Saints.

Drew Deese had six catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns to lead the receiving group.

Dillon Booth (seven receptions) and Daylin Caamano (four receptions) were the other top receivers. D’epifanio connected with Carter Jones for his third touchdown pass.

The Saints Taurian Nash tied a school record with a 94-yard run to open up the second half giving Crean Lutheran a commanding 31-6 lead, according to Curtis.

Nash led all rushers with 170 yards on only six carries for a 28.3-yard average. Archer C’de baca had 34 tough yards on nine carries behind the improving offensive line of Tyler Garcia, Kyler Petronis, Ethan Stirrat, Heinrik Shriver and Grant Culbertson, Curtis said.

“Ben Byszewski and Anthony Jones led the defense against the Knights who were averaging 35 points per game coming into league play,” Curtis said. “Byszewski had two spectacular interceptions to go with three solo tackles from his safety position. Jones dominated the Foothill offensive line from his defensive end position. Jones recorded 10 total tackles (five leads, five assists), one sack of eight yards, two batted down passes, a tackle for a loss, and two pressures on the quarterback.”

Mason McCullough (five lead tackles, four assists, one tackle for a loss, one QB pressure) and Javari Nash (six leads, one assist, and one QB pressure) also had solid games on the defensive side for the Saints.

Aaron Nicasio was Crean Lutheran ‘s special team’s player of the game. He was in on eight total tackles (five leads, three assists) covering kicks and from his linebacker position.

“The kickoff coverage team led the special teams units as they pushed the Knights back into poor field position on each of their possessions after Saints’ scores,” Curtis said. “Connor Stephens was solid again, connecting on all five of his PAT attempts and he split the uprights on a 24-yard field goal to push the score to 24-6 just before halftime.”

Foothill was led by quarterback Gino Marchetti, who had 114 yards passing. Nate Gouvion had 94 yards rushing, Nico Mancini had 84 yards receiving and a TD, Colton Thorne had two field goals and free safety Preston Smith had six tackles.

“Tough battle against a very good Crean Lutheran team,” Foothill Coach Doug Case said Sunday. “We had some bright spots, but need to shore up the defense. Looking go get back in the hunt for the league title.”

Foothill hosts Laguna Hills Thursday night at Tustin.

Crean Lutheran has its homecoming game Friday night against El Dorado.

Send football news to timburt@ocsportszone.com