Crespi Keeps Streak Going, Loses Third in Row

For a while, it appeared as if Crespi High had regained the form that made it a prep power in the 1970s.

Behind Coach Bill Redell, the Celts began the season with four straight wins and quickly moved up in almost all the rankings. But that was a three weeks ago.

With Crespi’s 17-6 loss to Loyola Friday night, the Celts, who were ranked ninth in The Times’ Valley Top Ten, dropped to to 4-3 overall and 0-2 in Del Rey League play. It was also their 12th straight league loss, dating back to 1983.

“We’re playing much better teams this time,” Redell said. “I can surely tell you it has no connection with last season,” he said refering to their 0-9-1 season.

In the first few minutes of Friday’s game, it looked as if the Celts were going to break their two-game losing streak.

Crespi scored on its first possession, driving 80 yards in 8 plays.

Running back Jon Budge scored with 8:30 left in the first quarter, breaking through the line and sprinting 30 yards for the score.

Peter Zenobi’s extra-point attempt was blocked, however, and the Celts had a 6-0 lead.

The rest of the first half belonged to Loyola.

Highlighted by a 34-yard pass from Dan O’Neil to Brett Wensley, the Cubs drove 63 yards in 9 plays to to take a 7-6 lead with 4:21 left in the half.

Kicker Todd Sheets’ 28-yard field goal with eight seconds remaining in half gave Loyola a 10-6 lead at halftime.

The Cubs, who are ranked seventh in the Big Five Conference, added another touchdown on their first possession of the third quarter.

Bernard Brown gave Loyola good field position when he ran back the second-half kickoff to the Crespi 24.

Eight plays later, O’Neil scored from the one to give Loyola a comfortable 17-6 margin.

After losing their season opener to St. Paul, the Cubs (2-0 in league) have now won six straight. Loyola allowed the Celts only eight yards in the second half.