Sagan Gronauer spots Faith Lutheran early lead in 58-39 win

Faith Lutheran’s football team jumped out to a four-touchdown lead in the first quarter, and quarterback Sagan Gronauer passed for five touchdowns as the Crusaders rolled to a 58-39 victory over visiting Cimarron-Memorial on Friday.

Gronauer’s favorite target was Dalton Kincaid, who had 187 yards and three touchdowns. Gronauer finished with 296 yards passing.

Kincaid’s emergence was a bright spot for the Crusaders (3-3, 3-1 Northwest League) after losing top receiver Elijah Kothe to a broken collarbone a week earlier — one of seven starters now on the sidelines for the hobbling Crusaders.

It was an emotional night for Faith Lutheran as two of school’s senior cheerleaders — Gianna and Natalia Baca — were in attendance after both had been shot in the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest festival on Sunday. Natalia had just been released from the hospital hours earlier.

Cimarron-Memorial outscored the Crusaders 36-28 in the final three quarters, including a running touchdown and a passing touchdown by backup quarterback Jose Carrasco in the final two minutes.

George Tribble passed for 178 yards for the Spartans (3-2, 1-2).