Crespi Axes Notre Dame in Prime Time

In this week’s episode of “Russell and the Celts,” those pesky Notre Dame Knights score the first touchdown of the game and the heavily favored Crespi Celts do a double-take.

Of course, the hero of the show, running back Russell White, comes in to restore order, rushing for 145 yards and four touchdowns. Once again, it’s big points and big laughs as Crespi (6-0-1) wins, 52-14, on Friday at Notre Dame.

“There was a doubt,” White said of Notre Dame’s quick score. “But that’s about it. We had to get warmed up.”

For Notre Dame, the game must have felt like a rerun, as the Knights lost for the second week in a row to a Del Rey League rival that also happened to be nationally ranked.

USA Today ranks Crespi No. 9 in the country. Loyola, which defeated Notre Dame 24-0 last week, is ranked 15th. The teams meet Nov. 7.

“It’s fun to compete against the best,” Notre Dame Coach Kevin Rooney said. Maybe so, but his team is now 3-4 and 0-2 league play.

Against Crespi, which has won both of its league games, Notre Dame had hoped to contain White and make some big plays on offense. On Notre Dame’s opening drive, the Knights’ Jere Deranja followed his coach’s script to perfection, slashing through Crespi’s defense for 55 yards on five carries and the touchdown.