The Crusader Rugby team punched its ticket for the state championship game this Saturday at 6 p.m. at Pan American Stadium by defeating Lake Area 48 -19.
Joey Morris gave the team points early in the match by scoring three tries within the first 10 minutes of the game. Sinesio Canseco converted one of the tries to put the score at 17-0. However, a botched kick off reception gave Lake Area the ball near the Saders’ try (goal) line, and Lake Area quickly turned territory into points scoring its first try. The Crusaders continued to play to their offensive pattern—winning ruck after ruck and spinning the ball from sideline to sideline, stretching the Lake Area defense thin.
Fullback, Lester Duhe scored next to put the score at 22-5. Another botched kickoff reception resulted in another Lake Area try, which was converted. Brother Martin continued to find space on the outside as junior winger Bruce Cuccia scored a beautiful try in the right corner. Canseco converted to put the halftime score at 29-12.
The Crusaders were challenged to pitch a shut-out in the second half and almost did, allowing Lake Area only one try as time wound down, but not before wings Cuccia and Morris each scored another try and junior flanker Matthew scored one of his own. Canseco converted two of the tries.
Joey Morris ended the game with an impressive, four try performance. Final score 48-19.
