HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: WEEK 7 : Crespi Builds Early Lead, Then Withstands St. Paul Rally, 17-13

Crespi High held off a second-half comeback bid and escaped with a 17-13 Del Rey League victory over St. Paul on Friday night at Pierce College.

After trailing, 14-0, at halftime, St. Paul (4-3, 0-2 in league play) closed the gap to four points on a six-yard touchdown run by Saul Frausto with 8 minutes 30 seconds remaining. However, that was the last time the Swordsmen were able to move past their 25-yard line.

A 34-yard third-quarter field goal by Greg Boskin helped Crespi (4-3, 1-1) keep St. Paul at bay.

Crespi opened the scoring after Joemil Santos intercepted a Gerry Ceballos pass at the St. Paul 47. On Crespi’s second play from scrimmage, Todd McLean connected with Ryan Block on a 45-yard touchdown pass play.

Midway through the second quarter, McLean hit Jamian Barbour with a screen pass and Barbour outran the Swordsmen to the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

McLean completed seven of 14 for 107 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Barbour finished with 102 yards in 21 carries.

St. Paul’s first score came when Elton Gabourel picked off a McLean pass and raced 45 yards untouched.