Justin Dominguez breaks through for a gain for Crean Lutheran. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs John Luciano, Ted Rigoni and Howard Lyon).
Crean Lutheran High School’s football team battled until the end Friday night but lost to second-seeded Vista Del Lago from Moreno Valley 26-21 in the quarterfinal round of the CIF Division 8 playoffs at Crean Lutheran.
“Friday night‘s game was a tough one against a physical Vista Del Lago team,” said Saints Coach Rick Curtis. “We were really scrambling with a lot of injuries, however, the kids played really hard, they never gave up as they now know what it means to have the ‘will to win.’
“We had our opportunities to win the however we didn’t cash in at the critical stages of the game.”
Quarterback Gavin Rogers led Crean Lutheran completing 14 of 22 passes for 162 yards and one touchhdown. Ty Benefield had one completion for 39 yards.
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Benefield also rushed for 49 yards on seven carries and a touchdown and hauled in eight catches for 77 yards. Jake Ramirez had five catches for 111 yards and a TD. Justin Dominguez rushed for 32 yards on nine carries and Andrew Duberow rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries.
Connor Stephens made all three point after kicks for the Saints (10-2).
Vista Del Lago (9-3) won with an effective running game to advance into the semifinals Friday night vs. Northwood. KJ Wright rushed for 179 yards on 28 carries and quarterback Jaylen Patterson had 11 carries for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Patterson completed 3 of 10 for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Curtis said his players achieved a lot.
“We are so proud of this team and what they accomplished,” he said. “The Saints broke into the upper echelon in the Empire league and then carried that into CIF playoffs. Since entering the large schools division this team finished with the most wins (10), the best finish in the Empire league (second), and captured a playoff win against a school with three times the enrollment.
“Our seniors have been through so much adversity however they never gave up and they showed “true grit” throughout the season.
“I still can’t believe that we won’t be practicing this week, but it truly was a spectacular season for the Saints. The support from the administration, staff, parents, and our student body was fantastic, creating an outstanding game experience for our players and coaching staff.”
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