Big Second Half Sparks Leuzinger Over Crespi

Leuzinger rallied for 14 unanswered points in the second half to defeat Crespi, 20-16, in a Southern Section Division III playoff game at Pierce College Saturday night.

Crespi (8-3), which had outscored its opponents in the second half, 93-22, before being shut out by the Olympians in the closing half, led 10-0 in the first quarter and 16-7 at halftime.

But Leuzinger’s defensive secondary and big-play offense overpowered the Celts in the second half.

Leuzinger (8-3), the co-champion of the Bay League, will face Anaheim Esperanza in the quarterfinals next week.

The Olympian defense held off Crespi after the Celts drove 54 yards to Leuzinger’s 18-yard line on their opening drive of the second half. Junior defensive back Jevon Ashley broke up Cody Smith’s pass attempt to Ryan Kieling on fourth and five, and the Olympians took possession. Leuzinger turned back the Celts again in the fourth quarter on the Olympian five-yard line after Crespi had driven 63 yards in 11 plays.

Leuzinger cut Crespi’s lead to 16-14 when quarterback Gary Mumin connected with Donal Byrd for a 78-yard touchdown pass on third and seven early in the third quarter. Mumin’s pass covered 45 yards and Byrd outran two defensive backs to the end zone.

Charlie Gonzalez recovered Joe Ruggiero’s fumble on Crespi’s second play after the ensuing kickoff at the Celt 41-yard line.

Running back Marvin Johnson’s 10-yard touchdown run five plays later capped the impressive drive and gave Leuzinger its first lead, 20-16.

Crespi dominated in the first quarter, holding the Olympians to just 18 yards in their first three possessions. The Celts offense came away with scores on two of its first three possessions.

Ryan Kieling’s 12-yard punt return left the Celts on Leuzinger’s 34-yard line. Four plays later Crespi was on the seven, but after two incomplete passes and an penalty for illegal procedure, Crespi had to settle for a 29-yard field goal by Bill Canalez.

Lance Thomas recovered a Leuzinger fumble on the Olympians’ second play after the ensuing kickoff, giving Crespi possession at Leuzinger’s 20-yard line. But the Celts failed to score when Smith’s pass intended for Frank Romano was broken up in the end zone by Anthony Cooley.