October 6, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

PHOTOS: Undefeated Crean Lutheran prepares to meet San Juan Hills Friday night

Ben Byszewski of Crean Lutheran avoids a tackle Friday night. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano, Ted Rigoni and Howard Lyon).

Crean Lutheran High School’s football team, 3-0 on the season, takes on San Juan Hills Friday night at home in the first meeting between the two programs.

The Stallions enter the non-league game 2-1.

Coach Rick Curtis Crean Luthean team had a dominating performance Friday night in a 48-0 home victory over previously undefeated Liberty from Winchester.

“The defensive front of Ryder Barnes, Tyler Parker, Anthony Jones, Daniel McEachern, and Allitoa Nansen shut down the vaunted Bison rushing attack,” Curtis said. “The linebacking corps of Taurian Nash, Carter Jones, Mason McCullough and Javari Nash also played a major role for the defense. Jones (seven tackles, seven assists), Taurian Nash (five tackles, two assists), and Barnes (four tackles, two assists and three tackles for a loss) led in tackles.”

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

A number of players contributed on offense for the Saints.

Archer C’de Baca (five carries, 61 yards, and two touchdowns) and Nash (three carries, 55 yards, and two touchdowns) led the rushing attack.

Quarterback Caden Jones spread the ball around with 13 completions in 17 attempts for 172 yards and two touchdowns, according to Curtis.

Robert “Dash” Smith (four receptions, 71 yards),  Drew Deese (three receptions, 28 yards)and Caleb Bey (four receptions, 26 yards) led the receivers. Bey and Carter Jones added touchdown receptions.

“Ben Byszewski added a sparkling 44-yard punt return and Connor Stephens connected on six of seven of his PAT’s for the special teams units,” Curtis added.