Crespi football gets into the win column with victory over Cleveland

ENCINO — California was hit with record-breaking heat wave this week. Even with the heat hitting as high as 109 degrees on Friday, there was some optimism that a matchup between Crespi and Cleveland would happen.

The Celts and Cavaliers had to adjust their practices during the week, but it seems the Celts did just enough in their 13-6 victory.

It is the Celts’ first win of the season.

“We had to get most of our work done in the morning this week,” said Celts head coach Brad Vonnahme. “We didn’t want to lose practice time, but it was enough. Winning is hard to do and we always appreciate it when it happens. It wasn’t how we drew it up but we found a way to get it done and that’s what it takes.”

Hot weather conditions create even hotter game play. To win football games teams need to win in all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams.

The Cavaliers managed to stay in the game despite recording just 95 yards of offense in the first half thanks to stellar special teams play. The Cavaliers started near midfield or further each time they were on offense, but the Celt’s defense kept them to just six first-half points.

“With the schedule this week we couldn’t practice special teams as much as we wanted, but the kick returns were huge,” said Cavaliers head coach Mario Guzman. “We just couldn’t execute when we had the ball in our hands and we kept shooting ourselves in the foot. It was an odd week for us, but it was tough.”

The Cavalier’s lone first-half touchdown which ended up being their only score of the game came on a four-yard fourth-down conversion by running back Isaac Delgado. Delgado was not alone in production as Cameron Greene led the Cavaliers with 71 rushing yards on the night.

Both teams wanted to establish the run game early with the Cavaliers edging out the Celts with 83 yards to the Celts 77 in the first half. Neither team was ready to give up any big plays downfield.

Celts quarterback Mason Harvey led all players in the first half with 72 rushing yards.

After a promising Celts drive that brought them down to the Cavalier’s 2-yard line, the Cavaliers managed to stop the Celts on fourth and goal. However, just two plays later the Celts fumbled the ball, and outside linebacker George Fritzinger recovered the ball at the Cleveland three-yard line.

Harvey capped off the first scoring drive of the game with a two-yard score. It would turn out to be the lone touchdown of the first half as the Celts went into the halftime locker room up 10-6.

Much of the second half remained the same as the Celts kept pounding the ball. However, a new wrinkle came into the fold for the Celts as freshman running back Royel McFarlane saw all eight of his carries in the second and ended his night with 50 yards.

The last and final score of the game came with less than two minutes to go in the third quarter. A 24-yard field goal by Ante Bilaver pushed the Celt’s lead to 13-6.

While neither team was able to score again, Harvey kept doing his damage on the ground to help run the clock out. Harvey ended his night with just 20 passing yards but racked up 134 rushing yards on 13 carries.

“It was all thanks to the blocking,” said Harvey. “I just come out here to try and win. Whatever I need to do whether it’s running or throwing I just want to win and bring Crespi back to glory. It feels good to win. I’m exhilarated.”