Crusaders score early, often in rout of Boulder City

Dylan DeFrank's 10-yard blocked punt return early in the first quarter Friday set the tone as Faith Lutheran's football team romped to a 62-7 win over visiting Boulder City in the opening round of the Division I-A state playoffs.

Mark Rubalcaba blocked a punt on Boulder City’s first drive, and DeFrank picked the ball up and raced into the end zone.

Quarterback Jake Deaville connected on each of his first 10 passes, including scores of 63 yards to Vinny DeGeorge and 6 to Rubalcaba for Faith Lutheran (9-2). Keenan Smith rushed for a 1-yard TD — his first of four — midway through the second quarter to extend the Faith Lutheran lead to 28-0.

Trenton Carmell hit Austin Wishard on a 5-yard touchdown pass to draw Boulder City (4-6) within 28-7.

Right before halftime, Faith Lutheran took a knee to try to run out the clock, but the Eagles called timeout. Deaville then hit George on a 72-yard touchdown pass.

DeGeorge finished with 242 yards on six catches. Deaville passed for 297, connecting on 13 of 15 attempts. Smith ran for 63 yards on 14 carries.

Sam Woodbury led Boulder City with 31 yards on nine carries.