PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran remains undefeated with decisive home victory over Gahr

Crean Lutheran’s football team, led by Coach Rick Curtis, takes the field for Friday’s game. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs: John Luciano and Wendy Rueter).

Crean Lutheran High School’s football team celebrated senior night and wrapped up non-league play with a 42-6 victory over Gahr Friday night at Crean Lutheran.

The Saints are 5-0 going into Friday’s Empire League opener vs. Kennedy at Western.

“Our kids played very well on senior night as we came out and dominated play from the start of the contest,” Coach Rick Curtis said Saturday.

“I was pleased with how we improved in several areas; ball security, the reduction of penalties, and continuing to play hard after jumping out to another big lead.

“Ben Abate had a great night from his defensive end position, recording three sacks and five tackles overall, while Ben Byszewski and Ben Buettel each had an interception against the Gladiators.”

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

Ty Benefield of Crean Lutheran carries the ball as Anthony Rodriguez of Gahr pursues.

Crean Lutheran players take the field vs. Gahr.

Cristian Viola of Crean Lutheran tries to tackle Gahr quarterback Ethan Whiteman.

Connor Stephens kicks off for Crean Lutheran.

Crean Lutheran cheerleaders show their spirit Friday night.

Jake Ramirez of Crean Lutheran heads to the end zone.

Jake Ramirez scores a TD for the Saints.

Crean Lutheran quarterback Gavin Rogers takes a snap.

Eli Bray of Crean Lutheran finds a hole vs. Gahr.

The Crean Lutheran defense gets ready for the next play.

Crean Lutheran Coach Rick Curtis leads his players in prayer after the game.

Crean Lutheran students greet the Saints after the game.

Kicker Connor Stephens had a big game as well, making all six PATs and putting six of his seven kick-offs into the end zone. He had one punt for 38 yards, hitting his average.

“Stephens also just missed on a 51-yard field goal attempt late in the game as he had the distance but the ball went just wide to the left,” Curtis said. “Ty Benefield also shined on special teams as he returned one kickoff and three punts for 109 yards, giving the Saints great field position after each return.”

Curtis was also pleased with quarterback Gavin Rogers. 

“Gavin Rogers was workmanlike at quarterback as he completed 6 of 11 passes for 122 yards and four touchdowns,” Curtis said.

Rogers threw touchdown passes to Benefield (65 yards), Carter Jones (6 yards), Jake Ramirez (18 yards), and Ben Buettel (!4 yards).

Rogers also had a rushing touchdown on a run/pass bootleg play in the first quarter, Curtis added.

Crean Lutheran built a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and added 21 points in the second quarter to put the game out of reach against Gahr (0-5).