Faith Lutheran fizzles in Fox’s debut as coach
Faith Lutheran’s first play from scrimmage on Friday netted 70 yards and a touchdown.
The Crusaders’ other 22 first-half plays accounted for a meager 56 yards.
Faith Lutheran never found an offensive rhythm after its first possession, and the Crusaders lost 35-7 to visiting Lutheran (Colo.) in the season opener for both teams.
The game marked the debut of Crusaders coach Vernon Fox, a former Cimarron-Memorial athlete and an eight-year NFL veteran.
“Obviously it’s disappointing. We never line up to lose,” Fox said. “We’ve got to learn from our experience and go back to work and study the film.”
After Faith Lutheran (0-1) allowed a 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Alex Nemers to start the game, the Crusaders’ Keenan Smith burst through a big hole up the middle and ran away from the Lions defense to make it 7-6.
Smith finished with 130 yards on 16 carries for Faith Lutheran.
The Crusaders committed two turnovers and struggled to slow down Lutheran’s pass rush.
Lions junior quarterback James Willis threw for three TDs and finished 10-for-18 for 121 yards. Dante Perez added 89 yards rushing for Lutheran (1-0).
Contact reporter David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203.
