Crusaders storm to early lead, rout Bulldogs

Faith Lutheran pounced on Virgin Valley early, and rolled to a 40-6 home win on Friday night.

The Crusaders used touchdown receptions by Christian Marshall and Mark Rubalcaba and scoring runs from Marshall and the first of two field goals by Ryan Callan to take a 25-0 first-quarter lead.

Faith Lutheran’s defense was equally strong to start the game, holding the Bulldogs (1-1) to a total of 2 yards in the first half.

Faith Lutheran senior Greg Benson passed for 201 yards and two touchdowns. Virgin Valley’s Cody Jones came off the bench to pass for 97 yards, including a 65-yard TD pass to Diego Burriel.

On the ground, the Crusaders (1-1) were led by 84 yards on 12 carries from Alfred Soboyejo, while the Bulldogs got 65 yards on 11 carries from Jones.

Faith Lutheran’s Nick Wendel had interceptions on consecutive drives with the Bulldogs in Crusader territory.