Smith’s return sparks Crusaders in win over Miners

Faith Lutheran's Keenan Smith took an errant field goal attempt by Sunrise Mountain and returned it 90 yards for a touchdown with 4.6 seconds to go in the first half on Saturday, and the Crusaders cruised from there, beating host Sunrise Mountain, 31-6.

The play halted a 12-play drive, and turned a potential 10-3 score into a 17-0 Faith Lutheran lead as time ran out in the second quarter. From there, the game was never in doubt.

Smith also led the Crusaders on offense, gaining 156 yards on 14 carries and scoring on runs of 13 and 54 yards. Senior Trent Dolby was perfect on four PATs and added a 24-yard field goal that started the scoring.

After Faith Lutheran (1-2) extended its lead to 31-0 on a 10-yard TD run by Fabian Lagudi, the Miners got an 80-yard kick return for touchdown from Romello Tatum..

Christian Marshall had an interception for Faith Lutheran, and Sherman Nash had one for the Miners (0-2). Nash was Sunrise Mountain’s leading rusher with 18 yards on 18 carries.