The Crusaders held St. Augustine’s explosive offense in check last Saturday night to emerge with a 17-7 victory on Rivalry Weekend in the Catholic League. Brother Martin won despite being outgained 294-219, including a 149-43 yard edge to the Purple Knights in passing. Chris Smith led the crimson rushers with 75 yards on 18 carries while Jaylon Spears added 74 yards on 20 attempts. Brady Faust was the target on three of the Crusaders’ four pass completions for 43 yards.
Martin scored all its points in the second period on Smith’s 6 yard run, Spears’s 9 yard carry, and Jack Landry’s 32 yard field goal. The Purple Knights finally got on the scoreboard on a 54 yard run in the final period. However, the Crusader defense came up with two interceptions in the final two minutes of the contest to preserve the victory – one by Devon Moore and the other by Brady Faust.
Coach Bonis praised his defense. “They stepped up when they needed to and did some really good things to hold a good offense to seven points. I’m also proud of our special play, especially since we had to make adjustments there because of injuries. It all starts with Jack, who did a good job with kickoffs, placing the ball where it needed to be. The punter, Faust, did a good job of reducing the field to keep them pinned down.”
Throw out the long touchdown run and the Crusaders pitched a shutout. “We had a whole bunch of missed tackles on that one play.”
Bonis is especially proud of the offensive line. “We were put in a situation where we had to start our third-string center and start a freshman offensive lineman – the first time we’ve ever done that. When we played with seven offensive linemen, including two tight ends, we had four sophomores and a freshman on the field. I was very impressed with our young offensive line.”
He was disappointed the offense didn’t score the second half. “When we got the lead, we wanted to milk the clock. The play calling didn’t change.”
The focus now turns to Bastrop. The 5-0 Rams are ranked 7th in the latest Class 4A poll. The Crusaders won a hard fought victory 26-20 in North Louisiana last season. “They were a very good team last year, just young,” says Bonis. “Offensively, everyone is back for them, including the best quarterback we’ll face all year.” That would be senior Quaterius Hawkins, 6’0” and 180 lbs. “He’s a true drop back passer and has four or five very skilled weapons. They have speedy backs and a tall receiver” (#11 Calvin Johnson, 6’2”, 165). “The two slot receivers are fast. The quarterback is not as fast as the quarterback from Easton but he’s good enough with his feet and throws the ball well when he moves out of the pocket. We’re going to have to play very well. They’re 5 and 0 for a reason,”
As for the Ram defense, “they’re very fast, very athletic. We’ll see a lot of man coverage. They’ll challenge us. We have to win on the perimeter. 17 points is not going to be enough to win this week. We may have to score a boatload. If we take a lead, we have to take care of the clock. This is a great challenge for us. I’m really excited about it.”
The Crusaders also need another good night from the special teams. “That’s a big key for us. Their skill spots make them dangerous as a punt and kickoff return team. This is a phase we have to win in a big way.”
As usual, the Crusaders must win the turnover battle and have more “explosion” plays. “Create our own and eliminate theirs. That’s the scary thing about them. They can go at any time.”
Be sure to be in that number at Tad Gormley Stadium tonight at 7:00 p.m. for what promises to be an exciting game.
- Article Written by Brother Neal Golden, S.C.
