PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran dominates in season opener at home against Loyola

Crean Lutheran quarterback Caden-Jones scores a touchdown in the first quarter Friday night. (Photos courtesy John Luciano, Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs).

After losing in the first round of the CIF playoffs last season following an undefeated regular season, Crean Lutheran Coach Rick Curtis said his team is carrying extra motivation into this season.

The Saints displayed some of that motivation in Friday night’s season opener defeating Loyola 31-6 in a non-league game at home.

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

Crean Lutheran captains take the field.

The Crean Lutheran Blue Zone reacts to a Saints touchdown.

Crean Lutheran coach Rick Curtis confirms timeouts remaining in the first half.

Loyola quarterback JC Rising evades Crean Lutheran defenders.

Crean Lutheran's Damari Hall catches the ball down field.

Loyola running back Matthew Fine rushes as Eti Taula of Crean Lutheran pursues.

Kinley Victorian Young of Crean Lutheran reacts to a blocked point after attempt.

“I liked our execution on offense, I liked our defensive effort, our defensive line, linebackers and secondary all had very good games,” said Curtis, who started his seventh season as the Saints head coach. 

Crean Lutheran (and the University of Arizona commits) Caden Jones, Ty Johnson and Braylen Ross put on an outstanding show. The Saints scored on their first five possessions of the game and never let the Cubs get into a rhythm. 

On its opening drive, Crean Lutheran marched 60 yards in 11 plays to take an early lead. Jones completed five passes on the drive and capped it off with an 8-yard touchdown run, giving Crean Lutheran a 7-0 lead.

“We prepared for this game all summer,” said Jones, who completed 25 of 33 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns. “We’ve all bought into the coaches plan and we just have to stay level headed and continue to execute.” 

Following a Cubs punt, the Saints offense was on the move again. This time, Crean Lutheran drove 87 yards in 13 plays. Aaron Nicasio scored on a 2-yard TD run to make it 14-0 with 15 seconds remaining the opening quarter. 

Midway through the second quarter, Loyola tried a fake punt but came up short. The Saints took over at the Cubs 38-yard line. Seven plays later, Eric Miao kicked a 22-yard field goal to up Crean Lutheran’s lead to 17-0. 

Following another three-and-out by Loyola, the Saints went 50 yards in nine plays and scored to take a 24-0 lead. Jones tossed a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ty Johnson as Crean Lutheran took a commanding lead into the locker room at halftime. 

“We came in with confidence and a killer attitude,” said Johnson, who had an outstanding game with 11 receptions for 143 yards and a TD and helped Crean Lutheran amass 255 yards of offense in the first half.    

The Saints defense, led by Luke Smith, Eti Taula, and Yahushua Foster, were dominating throughout the first half as they recorded three sacks and held Loyola to 64 yards in the opening half. 

“Defensively we have a few new guys, but we’re all locked in and we’re all hyped up by this win,” said Smith, who along with his teammates recorded four sacks and kept the Cubs under 150 yards for the game.  

Any hope Loyola had a comeback was quickly erased as Jones completed a 11-yard TD pass to Ross on the third play of the third quarter, upping the Saints lead to 31-0. Ross had five catches for 72 yards and a touchdown in the game. 

Loyola got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter on an 18-yard touchdown pass from JC Rising to Jayden Rogers.