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One week after a disappointing showing in a win over Biggs, the St. Bernard’s Crusaders answered with one of their most dynamic performances of the season.
St. Bernard’s traveled to Lake County to play Clear Lake and exploded for 559 yards of offense in a 45-13 win.
Tyler Hinrichs returned to the lineup earlier than expected after suffering a broken hand just two weeks ago and scored 27 points in the win.
The standout junior scored two rushing touchdowns and caught a pass for another, as well as adding a two-point conversion run.
He also kicked a 31-yard field goal and nailed four of his five PAT attempts.
“Amazing,” is how head coach Matt Tomlin described Hinrich, who played with a cast on his hand and remarkably did not drop a pass.
He finished with three catches for 84 yards.
As he returned, however, the Crusaders suffered a pair of injuries to other key players, including quarterback Luke Brunton and running back Luis Malko-Allen, each of whom were enjoying impressive seasons and are expected to miss some time.
But in their absence two other players stepped up and played pivotal roles in a big second half that saw the Crusaders scored 30 unanswered points to break open what had been a tight game.
Trenton Hagler, who has split time at QB with Bruton this season, took over under center and complete 14 of 27 passes for 235 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions.
He also ran for 41 yards on six carries.
Riley Nantz took over Malko-Allen and had a big impact, rushing for 114 yards and a TD.
Junior receiver Michael Manzi also had a big game, pulling in five catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
Overall, the Crusaders passed for 368 yards and rushed for 191.
Before he was forced from the game, Brunton completed 5 of 6 passes for 133 yards and a pair of TDs.
With the win, the Crusaders improved to 4-0 on the season.
Next up, they will host Ferndale next Saturday in a showdown between two unbeaten teams.
The SB JVs also won at Clear Lake on Friday night by a score of 28-6 and improved to 4-0.
Categories: Football, St. Bernard's
4-0 might be related to strength of schedule. We’ll see. SB will lose next week to Ferndale, if they continue making mistakes. The Wildcats will capitalize on the ball being turned over 4 times.