PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran knocks off defending CIF champ La Serna for big road win

Archer C’de baca of Crean Lutheran goes for a gain as Kaimana Tufaga of La Serna defends. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Samantha Burkett).

Crean Lutheran High School’s football team wrapped up non-league action Friday night in Whittier with a 20-0 victory over La Serna, the defending CIF Division 4 and state champion.

The Saints (4-1) were able to capture the victory by responding to adversity after losing some key players due to injuries in last week’s 23-9 loss to San Juan Hills.

Crean Lutheran its starting quarterback Caden Jones with an injury on the sixth play of the game and one of its top running backs Caleb Bey with a hip flexor injury in the second quarter, Coach Rick Curtis said.

In addition, four-year year starter, offensive lineman, Kyler Petronis, was also sidelined with a turf toe injury.

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“Players in each phase of the game made up for the losses as their next man up mentality
prevailed in the hard-fought contest in Whittier,” Curtis said.

“Freshman Dylan D’epifanio stepped in at quarterback and completed 15 or 22 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown. D’epifanio also rushed five times for 28 yards to lead an efficient offense against the scrappy Lancers,” Curtis said.

The player of the game was Taurian Nash, who had 100 yards rushing on 12 carries and one
touchdown against La Serna (3-2). Nash blocked a field goal after a 16 play Lancer drive stalled on their first possession and also had eight tackles on defense.

Drew Deese and Dillon Booth were players of the game on offense as they had great downfield blocks to help Nash, Archer C’de Baca (nine carries, 41 yards), and Eli Bray (seven carries, 38 yards) gain yards.

“The offensive line of Tyler Garcia, Adonijah Moenoa, Ethan Stirrat, Grant Culbertson and Heinrich Shriver opened up gaping holes and protected D’epifanio throughout the evening,” Curtis said. “Ben Byszewski led in receptions with seven for 36 yards while Booth recorded a tiptoe 14-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter,” Curtis said.

The Saints defense was outstanding recording its second shutout of the season vs. a high powered La Serna team. It was the first time that La Serna has been shutout since 2021.

Defensive lineman Tyler Parker (seven tackles, one tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery) had a big night dominating the line.

In addition, Anthony Jones caused a fumble, while Mason McCullough recorded a sack, was in on
seven tackles, recovered two fumbles, and pressured the La Serna QB all night.

Javari Nash and Carter Jones tied in total tackles with nine while Patrick Hall and Robert “Dash” Smith had several key tackles on the perimeter, Curtis said.

“To go along with Nash’s blocked field goal the special teams got in on the action as Connor
Stephens connected on two field goals (19 yards and 30 yards) and flipped the field with a
booming 44-yard punt in the third quarter,” Curtis said.

“Stephens also pulled down a high snap and rambled for seven yards from his punt formation to extend the final drive of the game, allowing for the Saints to run out the clock for the victory over the defending champions.”

Crean Lutheran has a bye this week and prepares to open Epsilon League play on Friday, Oct. 4, at home vs. Foothill.

Curtis said that Caden Jones, the QB, is still being evaluated.