PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran notches convincing road victory to open Empire League play

Ben Buetell of Crean Lutheran dives over the goal-line for a touchdown. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs / John Luciano).

Crean Lutheran High School’s football team opened Empire League play Friday night with a 42-7 victory over Kennedy at Western.

The Saints are 6-0 overall while Kennedy dropped to 1-5.

“Our kids played great last night on the opening night of Empire league play,” Coach Rick Curtis said Saturday. “We sputtered a little bit at the beginning on offense, but settled down and had a solid game.” 

Quarterback Gavin Rogers led the Saints completing 13 of 17 passes for 352 yards and five touchdowns.

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

Ty Benefield of Crean Lutheran goes up to make a catch.

Nathan Rios of Kennedy (No. 42) and a teammate receive encouraging words for the rest of the season from Crean Lutheran coach Rick Curtis after the game.

Crean Lutheran's Ben Buetell heads for the end zone.

Crean Lutheran quarterback Gavin Rogers gets ready to take a snap.

Kennedy gets ready to run a play against Crean Lutheran.

Ty Benefield had five receptions for 191 yards and two touchdowns while Jake Ramirez had four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown for the Saints.

Ben Buettel had one reception for a 72-yard touchdown

“Our defense played well,” Curtis said. “Ben Buettel had a pick-six interception of 67 yards at the beginning of the second half to blow open the game. Ty Benefield was all over the field again making plays and was in on five solos and two assists. 

“Ben Byszewski added a key interception in the third quarter to go along with his five tackles in the contest.  Connor Stephens continued his solid kicking as he converted on all 6 of his PATs.

“Kyler Petronis returned from an off-season injury and was solid for the offensive line while Jesse Fluegge and Jake Daichendt led our defensive line.”