Crusaders end losing streak, claim first 4A win

Faith Lutheran junior Don Pearson tossed two touchdown passes to younger brother Brad and returned an interception for a touchdown as the Crusaders (1-6, 1-5 Northwest) broke an eight-game losing streak and collected their first Class 4A win by beating visiting Shadow Ridge (1-6, 1-5) 27-13 on Friday.

Don Pearson staked Faith Lutheran to a 14-0 first-quarter lead with a 27-yard interception return and a 14-yard pass to Brad Pearson. The duo connected for another 14-yard scoring pass in the second quarter.

Joe Portaro added field goals of 33 and 34 yards for the Crusaders, who managed just 112 yards of total offense but won for the first time since Oct. 17, 2008.

Michael Tootle had scoring runs of 3 and 2 yards for Shadow Ridge, which had only 163 yards of offense.