Last Friday, the Crusaders started a two game winning streak against the Edna Karr Cougars at Tad Gormley Stadium. In an intense, hard-fought battle, the Crusaders came out victorious. In the first quarter, both teams displayed their speed, power, and prowess, completing long passes and long runs.
Late in the second quarter, senior quarterback Jake Broggi threw a 38 yard pass to senior tight end Irv Smith to set up a 2 yard touchdown run by junior running back Bruce Jordan-Swilling that sent the Crusaders into halftime with a 27-26 lead. The Crusaders continued to break through with two touchdowns scored by Jordan-Swilling to extend the lead to 41-26 going into the 4th quarter. Karr scored on the ensuing possession and added a two point conversion to make the score 41-34. After a Crusader punt, the Cougars put another 7 points on the board to tie the score 41-41.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Crusaders gave it to Bruce Jordan-Swilling once again. The Crusaders high-powered offense proceeded to go the length of the field, killing the clock in the process. With one minute left, on 4th and goal, senior kicker Blake Perilloux nailed a clutch 30 yard field goal to give the Crusaders a 44-41 lead. With one last chance for the Karr Cougars offense, the Crusader defense bent, but did not break, as the Crusaders held on to the 44-41 score as time expired. Standout running back Bruce Jordan-Swilling rushed 29 times for 259 yards and 5 touchdowns in the game.
The Crusaders (3-0) will be back in action this Saturday in their first district game against the John Curtis Patriots (3-0). Kick-off is set for 2:30 p.m. at Tad Gormley Stadium.
Submitted by Charles Long (News Writer- Crusader Correspondents)
