The Crusaders suffered their second straight loss last Saturday night against Rummel, 17-0. Considering the Raiders got a 97-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff, the Martin defense played quite well.

Sophomore Isaiah Torregano got his first start at quarterback in place of injured senior Drew Martin. “Isaiah ran the offense very well, all things considered,” says Coach Mark Bonis. “Rummel’s defense is very good, but he managed the game well, made some good decisions. It didn’t show up on the scoreboard, but he handled things better than most would at his age. He prepared well during the week and was not wide-eyed at all. We minimized some things in the offense for him, but this week we’re expanding the offense back to what it was.”

Bonis has been pleased with the way Drew Martin has stayed involved at practices and during the game despite being on crutches. “He’s helping me with the quarterbacks, running my individual drills when I’m in another drill. I trust him wholeheartedly to do that. He’s very intelligent and knows the whole offense inside and out. During the game, he stood behind me when we had the ball. When the offense came off the field, he took my iPad and coached those guys up. What he’s going through with his injury is not easy, but he’s handled it very well.”

Mark also likes the spirit of the team despite two straight losses. “Our boys keep fighting very hard. We have to keep plugging away, keep grinding so that we’re playing our best football at the very end of the season. The kids have bought in. We’re encouraging our other two phases, defense and special teams, to step up and make some plays. The key for us now is waiting for our youth on offense to come together. At times, we have seven or eight sophomores on the field offensively. Our offensive line is improving. Our big point of emphasis is getting more production out of our running backs.” That’s a position plagued by injuries.

Attention now turns to Archbishop Shaw and the Crusaders’ first visit to the Eagles’ new stadium. Sparked by five interceptions, the Crusaders defeated the Eagles 41-7 last year.  “Defensively, I think they’re very talented. They have four players on that side of the ball that are very good, especially #93.” That’s Mark Smith, a 6-0, 255 lb senior. “It’s important we go in there and play Brother Martin football from the beginning of the game and avoid turnovers.”

Come out and support the Crusaders as they take on Archbishop Shaw on Saturday, October 27th at 2:00 p.m. at Shaw Stadium.