Football

Coaches

RICK CURTIS - HEAD FOOTBALL COACH, ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, AND S.A.L.T. COORDINATOR

Crean Lutheran High School is excited to announce Rick Curtis as a teacher, Head Football Coach, and Director of Athletic Leadership. Rick comes to Crean Lutheran with a wealth of experience in athletic leadership, teaching, and as Head Football Coach, with a proven track record of success. Rick is a faithful man of God and looks forward to leading young men on the path to Jesus Christ, and encouraging them to reach their full potential on the field and in life. One of Rick’s favorite Bible verses is: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23. This specific verse has been the Crean Lutheran Saints Football guiding team verse since the program started in 2010. In response to the hiring of Rick Curtis, Executive Director and CEO, Mr. Jeffrey Beavers, shared the following statement.

The Saint's family is excited to begin the next chapter in football with a sage and faithful coach who has a proven track record. Coach Curtis knows how to build a strong and cohesive football program, and especially understands how faith can impact the lives of young men beyond the gridiron. The Crean Lutheran community is excited and blessed to welcome Coach Curtis and his family.

Rick worships at The Shoreline Church in San Clemente. Rick and his late wife, Mary, raised a team of their own. The Curtis family includes two daughters, Leslie and Ashleigh, five sons, John, Steven, Bryan, Sean, and Blake, and seven grandchildren; Jacob, Tyler, Grace, Lucas, Bailey, Cooper, and Judy May.

Rick earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton and his teaching credential from the University of California, Irvine. Rick holds a master’s degree in Athletic Administration and Coaching from Concordia University, Irvine, where he currently teaches as an adjunct professor and serves as an Academic Advisor.

Some of Rick’s coaching accomplishments include leading the Irvine High School Vaqueros to three consecutive CIF-SS championships, starting the Northwood High School football program, and leading the Timberwolves to the CIF quarter-finals three times, the CIF semi-finals, and the CIF finals. After Rick’s tenure at Northwood High School, he became the head football coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, where his team set 19 school records, returned to the CIF playoffs, and sent 15 student-athletes to the college ranks with athletic scholarships. Coach Curtis then went on to coach at Capistrano Valley Christian and in 2018 won a league championship.

Coach Curtis is passionate about initiating and facilitating collegiate recruitment. He has helped his players earn opportunities and scholarships at several universities, including Stanford, Oklahoma, USC, UCLA, Washington State, Navy, Michigan, Vanderbilt, Lehigh, New Hampshire, and others.

Crean Lutheran Athletic Director Eric Olson said,

“I would like to welcome Coach Rick Curtis to the Crean Lutheran family and express my sincere excitement for the Saints Football Program and our entire school. Rick will be a great addition to our excellent faculty and coaching staff here at CLHS. He is a highly qualified coach, an amazing football mind, and he is focused on the personal growth and spiritual development of his players. I have known Rick personally for many years and followed his coaching career. I have always admired his approach to mentoring and developing his football players as well as his expertise in the game. Coach Curtis is a competitor who always strives to win, but more importantly, he is a process-orientated coach who cares about all his players beyond the football field. Coach Curtis will be transformational in the lives of his players, not only during their four years as a football player for the Saints but in their lives for many years to come."

Coach Curtis had this to share,

"I could not be more excited about accepting the head football coaching position at Crean Lutheran High School! I feel so blessed to be chosen to lead the Saints football program! My wife, Mary, and I feel that that the mission, vision, and core values that Crean Lutheran has for the school and the athletic program are in line with all of our beliefs! I am excited about embracing the challenge of competing in the Empire League and taking the football program to the next level. It is evident to me that through a substantial amount of hard work and planning, a lot of the foundation has already been laid. The administration and Crean Lutheran community is committed to assisting our student-athletes to be the best they can be while always glorifying God! Go Saints!"

russell oka - offensive coordinator

Coach Russell Oka is excited to join Crean Lutheran with ten years of coaching experience at the youth, high school, and collegiate level. His credentials include his alma mater Loyola High School, Palos Verdes Pop Warner, California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo, California Lutheran University, and JSerra Catholic High School. Coach Oka comes with a diverse coaching background, coaching defensive backs, wide receivers, and running backs. He has coached elite players, who received accolades such as All-League, All-CIF, and All-Orange County. Additionally, Coach Oka had a brief stint with Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll.

Most recently, Coach Oka served as the Head JV Coach / Offensive Coordinator and Varsity Running Backs Coach for JSerra Catholic High School. In addition to coaching, Oka was the Associate Athletic Director for Academics and Student Educational Resource Program Testing Center Supervisor.

Coach Oka is grateful to God for providing him with an opportunity to be coaching at a Christ-centered institution. He is honored to be joining Coach Rick Curtis, a well-respected high school coach in Orange County.

As a graduated from Loyola High School, he was part of the 2005 CIF Division 1 Championship team. Coach Oka received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Pitzer College, where he also played running back for the Sagehens. He continued his education at California Lutheran University, where he received his Master’s in Education Leadership. Coach Oka and his wife Kimi reside in Mission Viejo, with their new baby boy, Austin, who was born in March of this year!

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

john byszewski - VARSITY DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

John Byszewski is beginning his 3^rd season at Crean Lutheran High School. Coach Byszewski attended and played football at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. He also played on the 1992 National Championship Saddleback College football team and then went on to earn a football scholarship to Western State College in Colorado, where he played center for the Mountaineers. After college, John returned to Santa Margarita and began his coaching career that spanned more than 20 years with the Eagles. He began coaching freshman and eventually coached all levels and defensive positions, including acting as the Defensive and Special Teams Coordinator for the varsity team. Coach Byszewski also spent the last 10 seasons as the JV Head Coach at Santa Margarita.

John and his wife, Becky, have three children, John, a senior who is the starting goalie for the men’s soccer team at The United States Air Force Academy, Jane, who attends Saddleback College and works for Crean Lutheran in the athletic department, and Ben, a sophomore who is a starting wide receiver and defensive back for the Crean Lutheran Saints.

As iron sharpens iron one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Kurt WESTLING - VARSITY OFFENSE/ QUARTERBACKS/ SPECIAL TEAMS

Coach Westling is very excited and blessed to come to Crean Lutheran to assist Coach Oka with the offense and Coach Curtis with the special teams. Coach Westling will be coaching the quarterbacks on the offensive side of the ball. Westling has had 3 quarterbacks throw for more than 3,000 yards in the last 8 seasons. Westling comes to Crean Lutheran from Aliso Niguel HS, where he was the head coach for the last 10 years. He has been in the coaching ranks for 36 years. Before Aliso Niguel, Westling coached at San Clemente, Capo Valley, and Saddleback high schools. Westling revealed that “my biggest highlights in coaching were coaching the 1996 undefeated CIF championship team at Aliso Niguel, and coaching his son, Drew, who led Orange County in passing in 2004.” Westling’s goals this year are for the players to improve their football skills, play as a team, compete every second, grow spiritually, and have fun while they are competing.

Coach Westling will also be teaching mathematics at Crean Lutheran.

Kurt Westling graduated from St. Paul High School and played for the legendary coach, Marijon Ancich. He received his BA in Math from Cal State Fullerton, his Teaching Credential from Loyola Marymount, and his MA in Education from Cal State San Bernardino. Coach Westling lives in Mission Viejo with his wife, Marguerite, and they have 4 children: Drew, Wyatt, Jenna, and Tessa. The Wrestling’s have 3 grandchildren, Holly and twins, Brynn and Brax.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Vince Levigne- Linebacker Coach

Coach Vince Levigne is excited to join Crean Lutheran High School as the Saint's Linebacker Coach. Coach Vince has over 12 years of high school football coaching experience in the Metro Detroit area. Coach Vince has served in a variety of varsity positions including Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and Special Teams Coordinator. He has mentored student athletes at Michigan high schools Ypsilanti, Summit Academy, Willow Run, and Henry Ford II. A student athlete himself, Coach Vince played linebacker for Henry Ford II and was part of the high school’s only 9-0 team in school history. In addition to coaching football, Coach Vince has enjoyed being a teacher for more than 15 years.

Coach Levigne obtained a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University.

Born and raised in the Detroit Area in Michigan, Coach Vince was drawn to Southern California by its beautiful sunshine, glorious beaches, and magnificent canyons. Off the field, Coach Vince can be found hiking or mountain biking on the nature trails in Orange County. He lives in Lake Forest with his girls—a loving wife, a happy toddler, and an adventurous 15-year-old papillon.

"For we walk by faith not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

colin shumate - strength & conditioning

Coach Shu has been coaching for 10 years and started at Crean Lutheran in 2019. He earned a BS in Physical Education and Health Science, an MS in Human Health and Performance, as well as CSCS and USAW certifications from San Diego State University where he was proud to receive a full-ride scholarship to play football.

Coach Shu and his wife, Sarah, are transitioning to Orange County from San Diego. Sarah has her DPT (Doctorate of Physical Therapy) and played water polo at SDSU, where she still holds the all-time assists record.

His favorite Bible verse is James 1:2-4, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." He hopes this verse teaches the boys to know we have the hope and faith to face any trial, and God will make us better through all of it and can invigorate us to push through anything . . . from football to beyond.

“I am excited about growing with the team and developing great young men.”

mike mackellar - long snappers & equipment manager

Coach MacKellar comes to us with a plethora of experience coaching football and managing equipment at JSerra Catholic high school and Irvine Pop Warner. He has helped train and bring his players to the next level of play while celebrating them into championship seasons. His passion in developing athletes both on and off the field will prove to be an asset to our growing football program. He has played an integral part of coaching his older son into being recognized as the top nationally ranked Long Snapper and helped guide him in his journey in faith leading him to want to pursue a future in Seminary. He and his wife, Maria, reside in Irvine where they have raised their two sons, Seth and Wyatt. They enjoy participating in church activities, fundraising, watching football, hiking, BBQing with family & friends and traveling.

Rosters

Mission Statement & Core Values

Saints Strong Character Traits

Inside Out Coaching Initiative

Season History & Records

Crean Lutheran Season History
YEAR	RECORD	COACH/LEAGUE
2009	(0-8, 0-3)	Coach David Krystowiak (Inaugural Season of Competition)
2010	(0-10, 0-3)	Coach David Krystowiak
2011	(5-4, 0-3)	Coach David Krystowiak
2012	(5-5, 1-2)	Coach David Krystowiak
2013	(1-9, 1-3)	Coach Brett Mertens
2014	(6-5, 2-2)	CIF Playoffs - Coach Brett Mertens
2015	(9-4, 2-1)	Academy League Champions, CIF Semi-Finalists, (JV record 9-0) - Coach Brett Mertens
2016	(7-3)	Coach Matt Bowman
2017	(6-5)	Coach Matt Bowman
2018	(4-6)	Coach Randall Reynoso
2019	(3-7)	Coach Randall Reynoso
2020	(2-4)	COVID Spring Season - 1st Empire League victory - Coach Rick Curtis
2021	(1-9)	Coach Rick Curtis
2022	(10-2) 2nd in Empire League - CIF quarterfinalist	2nd in Empire League - CIF quarterfinalist - Coach Rick Curtis

Team Records Prior to 2022

Offensive Records Prior to 2022

Defensive Records prior to 2022

Special Teams Prior to 2022

Full Calendar

Varsity Game Schedule: Max Preps

Team Award Winners

2023 Team Award Winners

2023 Varsity Awards Winners:
Rookie of the Year - Offense - Jameel Naber
Rookie of the Year - Defense - Javari Nash

Most Improved Player - Offense - Grant Culbertson
Most Improved Player - Defense - Troy Hill

Offensive Lineman of the Year - Kyler Petronis

Defensive Linemen of the Year - “The Fearsome Foursome”:
Tyler Parker, Anthony Jones
Josiah Mora, and Daniel McEachern

Co-Special Teams Player of the Year - Connor Stephens
Co-Special Teams Player of the Year - Robert “Dash” Smith

Defensive Player of the Year - Carter Jones
Offensive Player of the Year - Justin Dominguez

Co-Hard Hat Award Winner - Taurian Nash
Co-Hard Hat Award Winner - Mason McCullough

323 “Christian Character” Award - Luke Doyle

Scout Team Player of the Year - Kyle Birmingham

Senior Scholar Athletes - Ben Buettel & Colin Currier

Co-Most Inspirational Player - Carter Jones
Co-Most Inspirational Player - Ben Buetell

Most Valuable Player - Ben Byszewski

2023 Team Captains:
Kellen Cosenza
Ben Buetell
Justin Dominguez

2022 Team Award Winners

2022 Varsity Awards Winners:
Team MVP - Ty "Buck" Benefield - (12)
Offensive Player of the Year - Gavin Rogers - (12)
Defensive Player of the Year - Carter Jones - (10)
Special Teams Player of the Year - Connor Stephens - (10)
Lineman of the Year - Jesse Fluegge - (12)
323 Award - Graham Austin - (12)
Senior Scholar Athlete - Luke Jung - (12)
Scout Team Player of the Year - Landon Inglis - (10)
Rookie of the Year - Mason McCullough - (10)
Most Improved Player - Jake Ramirez - (12)
Hard Hat Award Winner - Andrew Duberow - (12)

2022 Team Captains:
Graham Austin - (12)
Andrew Duberow - (12)
Gavin Rogers - (12)
Cristian Viola - (12)

2022 JV Award Winners:
Offensive Player of the Year - John Santos
Defensive Player of the Year - Michael Santos
Special Teams Player of the Year - Ben Keller
Offensive Lineman of the Year - Grant Culbertson
Defensive Lineman of the Year - Michael Bunnel
323 Award - Nico Sanchez
Most Inspirational Player - Archer C' de Baca

2022 Frosh / Soph Award Winners:
Most Valuable Player Griffin Theetge
Offensive Player of the Year Ryan Berber
Defensive Player of the Year Jack Schirrmacher
323 Award Rocco Windham
Most Improved Player Luke Kyser
Lineman of the Year Ryan Shabdiz
Lineman of the Year Nathan Chang

2021 Team Award Winners

2021 Varsity Award Winners:
Rookie of the Year – Sean O’Rourke
Most Improved Player – Jake Daichendt
Lineman of the Year – Graham Austin
Special Teams Player of the Year - Andrew Duberow
Defensive Player of the Year - Zach Cranford
Offensive Player of the Year - Jack Fairchild
Hard Hat Award - Ben Buettell
323 Award - Gavin Rogers
Scout Team Player of the Year – Ryan Wolfinbarger
Most Inspirational Player – Noah Bray
MVP: Andrew Duberow
Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Jack Fairchild
Varsity Captains – Noah Bray, Zach Cranford, Jack Fairchild, Gavin Rogers

2021 Freshman Award Winners:
Offensive Lineman of the Year – Teag Gordon
Defensive Lineman of the Year – Michael Santos
Offensive Back of the Year – Eli Bray
Linebacker of the Year – Mason McCullough
Defensive Back of the Year – Ben Byszewski
Receiver of the Year – Luke Doyle
Most Improved Player – John Santos

2020 Team Award Winners

2020 Varsity Award Winners:
Rookie/Newcomer of the Year: Zach Cranford
Most Improved Player – Offense: Gavin Rogers
Most Improved Player – Defense: Joseph Friske
Lineman of the Year: Caeden Chase
Special Teams Player of the Year: Connor Grace
Co - Defensive Player of the Year: Brad Cooper
Co - Defensive Player of the Year: Blake Slezak
Offensive Player of the Year: Jack Fairchild
Hard Hat Award: David Huff
323 Award: Sam Held
MVP: Matt Mahoney
Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Joe Menton
Varsity Captains :Sam Held, Sammy McMillan, Caeden Chase, Gavin Rogers

2020 Frosh / Soph Award Winners:
Most Improved Player: Matt Harnisch
Lineman of the Year: Jesse Fluegge
Special Teams Player of the Year: Rylan Codorniz
Defensive Player of the Year: Jackson Haney
Co - Offensive Player of the Year: Josh Forster
Co - Offensive Player of the Year: Ben Buettell
323 Award: Graham Austin

2019 Team Award Winners

2018 Team Award Winners

2018 Varsity Award Winners
Scholar Athlete- Seth Holbrook
Scout Team Player of the Year - David Huff
Rookie of the Year - Nolan Folsom
Most Improved Player - Ryan Williams
Lineman of the Year - Max Bahou
Special Teams Player of the Year - Connor Gace
Defensive Player of the Year - Tyler Buban
Offensive Player of the Year - Jack Johnson
Weightlifter of the Year - Tyler Buban
323 Award - Luke Frisbee
MVP - Tom St. George

Team Captains:

Tom St. George,
Jack Johnson
Cole Harris
Max Bahou

2017 Team Award Winners

2017 Varsity Team Award Winners

Scout Team Player of the Year - Braeden Bailey
Newcomer of the Year - Tyler Buban
Most Improved Player - Michael Berelowitz
Lineman of the Year - Ben Beavers & Christian Maurier
Special Teams Player of the Year - Andy Richardson
Defensive Player of the Year - Dane Schumacher
Offensive Player of the Year - Gunnar Ashmon
Player of the Year - Ryan O'Keefe
Hardhat Award - Kyle Livermore
323 Award - Issac Holbrook
Coach's Award - Coach Chris Conlin
JV Saints Award - David Huff
JV Defensive Player of the Year - Seth Holbrook
JV Offensive Player of the Year - Grant Olbricht
JV Player of the Year - Chase Kanegae

2016 Team Award Winners

2016 Varsity Team Award Winners

323 Award - Robert Briones
Player of the Year - Zach Macadam
Offensive Player of the Year - Gavin Folsom
Defensive Player of the Year - Tanner Atkinson
Special Teams Player of the Year- Jack Johnson
Lineman of the Year - Tanner Atkinson
Newcomer of the Year - Kyle Livermore
Scout Team Player of the Year - David Jeong
Hardhat Award - Isaac Holbrook
Most Improved Player- Christian Maurier
Scholar Athlete- David Jeong
JV Player of the Year- Tyler Buban
Coach's Award- CoachTrevor Stokes

2015 Team Award Winners

2014 Team Award Winners

2013 Team Award Winners

All Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY ALL STAR PLAYERS

All Orange County 2023:
Ben Byszewski
Connor Stephens

Orange County All-Star Game 2023:
Jeremiah Finaly

All Orange County 2022:
Ty “Buck” Benefield

All Orange County 2018
Jack Johnson

All Orange County 2017
Dane Schumacher

All Orange County 2016
Robert Briones

All Orange County 2015
Andrew Ryan

All League Players

All Empire League Players

2023

1st Team
Tyler Parker - Defensive Line - Special Honor: Empire League Defensive Lineman of the Year
Connor Stephens - Kicker/ Punter - Special Honor: Empire League Special Teams Player of the Year
Kyler Petronis - Offensive Line
Ben Byszewski - Defensive Back
Carter Jones - Linebacker
Josiah Mora - Defensive End

2nd Team
Justin Dominguez - Running Back
Anthony Jones - Defensive End
Taurian Nash - Linebacker
Robert “Dash” Smith - Defensive Back
Javari Nash - Safety

Honorable Mention - All-Empire League:
Daniel McEachern - Defensive Line
Mason McCullough - Linebacker
Daylin Caamano - Wide Receiver
Jeremiah Finaly - Quarterback

2022

2022-2023 All Empire League Players

1st Team
Ty "Buck" Benefield - Empire League - Co-MVP (12)
Gavin Rogers - Empire League - Offensive Back of the Year (12)
Jesse Fluegge - Empire League - Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year (12)
Connor Stephens - Empire League - Special Teams Player of the Year (10)
Graham Austin - Offensive Line (12)
Jake Ramirez - Offensive Receiver (12)
Cristian Viola - Offensive Line (12)
Andrew Duberow - Defensive - Linebacker (12)
Ben Byszewski - Defensive Back (10)
Carter Jones - Defensive Linebacker (10)

2nd Team
Ben Buettell - Offensive Receiver (11)
Kellen Cosenza - Offensive Line (11)
Jake Daichendt - Offensive Tight End (12)
Mason McCullough - Defensive Linebacker (10)
Ben Abate - Defensive End (12)

Honorable Mention - All-Empire League:
Justin Dominquez - Offensive Running Back (11)
Daniel McEachern - Defensive Line (11)
Kyler Petronis - Offensive Line (11)

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

CIF Honors

2023

ALL CIF, Division 6:

Linebacker - Carter Jones

Defensive Back - Ben Byszewski

Defensive Line - Tyler Parker

All CIF, Division 8:
Graham Austin - (12)
Ty "Buck" Benefield - (12)
Andrew Duberow - (12)
Gavin Rogers - (12)

2017
Offensive Line - Christian Maurier (Sr.)
Defensive Line - Tom St. George (Jr.)
Utility - Dane Schumacher (Sr.)

2015
Linebacker - Garrett Cox (Sr.)
Defensive End - Daniel Albright (Sr.)
Defensive Tackle - Andrew Ryan (Sr.)

All-State

Results: Max Preps

Photos

College Athletes

Ty benefield, class of 2023, boise state university

christian viola, class of 2023, UC Davis

jake ramirez, class of 2023, concordia university ann arbor

Jack Fairchild, class of 2022, Southern Utah University, football

maximus Bahou, class of 2019, cal lutheran university, football

Ben Beavers, class of 2018, concordia university wisconsin, football

patrick mcnerney, class of 2018, valparaiso university, football

robert briones, class of 2017, wheaton college, football

Football Spirit Store

Power of Football

Season Wrap-up

Crean Lutheran football team celebrates milestone season

Whatever the task, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord and not for man. Colossians 3:23

It was a very memorable season for the Crean Lutheran High School football team. The Saints, coached by Rick Curtis, finished with a sparkling 10-2 record, the best in school history. The Saints finished in the upper echelon of the Empire League with a 4-1 record and met Cypress for the league championship.

“Despite falling to Cypress in the championship game the Saints set numerous school records along the way and entered the CIF playoffs in Division 8,”

Curtis said. “The automatic entry into the playoffs marked the first entry into the CIF playoffs for Crean Lutheran after being added to the large school’s area placement division in 2018.

“The Saints first round 35-34 thrilling come from behind victory over Aliso Niguel in the CIF playoffs was Crean Lutheran’s first playoff victory since 2015. The victory along with an outstanding season catapulted the Saints to be ranked as a top 25 team in Orange County, a first for the football program.”

Crean Lutheran players were recognized in post-season awards for their excellent play in All-Empire League honors. “Ty Benefield captured the Empire League Co-MVP award, Gavin Rogers was named Back of the Year, Jesse Fluegge was named Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year and Connor Stephens was named Special Teams Player of the Year,” Curtis said. “Fourteen other players were named to the first, second, or honorable mention teams for the Empire League, the most ever honored in league play.

“The Saints were blessed to have the support of the entire Crean Lutheran community and administration, creating a game experience each week that produced lifetime memories.”

Former Saints

2022 Seniors (Class of 2023) - Andrew Duberow, Gavin Rogers, Graham Austin, Christian Viola, Jesse Fluegge, Jake Ramirez, Fred Fan, Ty "Buck" Benefield, Luke Jung, Jake Daichendt, Rylan Codorniz, Ben Abate

2021 Seniors (Class of 2022) - Grant Fedden, Zach Crawford, Noah Bray, Jack Fairchild

2020 Seniors (Class of 2021) - David Huff, Matt Mahoney, Evan Olbricht, Colby Douglas, Connor Grace, Joseph Friske, Blake Slezac, Graham Wyckoff, Sam Held, Sammy McMillian, Caden Chase, Isiah Obana, Joseph Menton

2019 Seniors (Class of '20) - Sean Arldt, Marco Chen, Caleb Fluegge, Grant Olbricht, Ryan Williams

2018 Seniors (Class of '19) - Max Bahou, Michael Berelowitz, Luke Frisbee, Tom St. George, Cole Harris, Jack Johnson

2017 Seniors (Class of '18) - Gunnar Ashmon, Braeden Bailey, Ben Beavers, Anthony Cooper (Porkchop), George DeBorde, Jack Eliot, Isaac Holbrook, Joe Kelly, Kyle Livermore, Christian Maurier, Patrick McNerney, William Nomura, Ryan O'Keefe, Andy Richardson, Dane Schumacher

2016 Seniors (Class of '17) - Tanner Atkinson, Kyle Betz, Robert Briones, Aaron Fink, Gavin Folsom, Ryan Lidd, Zach Macadam, Michael McNerney, Dylan Rapp, Joey Tosti

2015 Seniors (Class of '16) - Daniel Albright, Garrett Cox, Nick Ellwein, Robert Grey, Andrew Ryan, Daniel Ruiz, Reagan Schmidt, Karl Schumacher, Matthew Volz, Luke Walcher

2014 Seniors (Class of '15) - Samuel Fluegge, Matthew Frisbee, Luke Hamilton, Travis Knight, Matthew Ma, Youssef Nakhla, Paul Sardo, Mark Sharp

2013 Seniors (Class of '14) - Adam Barrett, Isaiah Hobus, Philip Murphy, Ryan Leuteritz, Daniel Wang

2012 Seniors (Class of '13) - Greg Baker, Blake Cox, Daniel Kuntz, Alex Yoon, Tommy McMillian, Teddy Hung, Chris Hansen, Riley Tooker

2011 Seniors (Class of '12) - Joe Atkinson, Charles Jones, Josh Kilduff, Chasen McNaughten, Marcus Wondergem

2010 Seniors (Class of '11) - Rylan Beisner, Luke Bonenfant, Dylan Cantral, Marc Corey, Luke Gibbons, Brandon Geimont, Matt Homan, Spencer Loose

2009 Seniors (Class of '10) - David Caulderwood

Previous Articles

2020-2021 Season Preview

New Crean Lutheran football coaching staff wants players to glorify God through attitude and work ethic

Whatever the task, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord and not for man. Colossians 3:23

Crean Lutheran High School’s varsity football players and coaches were excited to kick off the 2021 season in March after months of waiting under new head coach Rick Curtis, who brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and expertise to the program.

The six-game season is scheduled to end in the middle of April with three home games planned at the Saints Stadium on campus.

“Our players and coaches number one goal is to glorify God through our attitude, work ethic, character and performance,” said Curtis.

“The 2020-21 football season brings with it a completely new coaching staff and culture within the Crean Lutheran football program, one that is working extremely hard in raising the bar to the level of competition within the always tough Empire League.”

Curtis and his staff have established program goals. “Our goals are always to follow the Saints strong moral and performance goal standards set forth by our athletic department and coaching staff,” he said. “As far as our competition goals, they will always include capturing the Empire League championship and advancing deep into the CIF playoffs.”

Among the talented players expected to lead the Saints are senior wide receiver/defensive back Matthew Mahoney, sophomore quarterback Gavin Rogers, senior running back/linebacker Blake Slezak, senior defensive end/tight/running back Samuel Held and senior linemen Caeden Chase and Sammy McMillan. Held, Chase and McMillan are the team captains, Curtis said. “This year’s team is a mixture of experienced seniors and talented underclassmen who have worked extremely hard in preparation for the season that we have been blessed with,” Curtis said.

2020-2021 Season Wrap Up

Crean Lutheran football team had milestone wins in first year for Coach Rick Curtis

‘Whatever the task, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord and not for man.’ ---Colossians 3:23

It was a memorable year for Crean Lutheran High School’s football team under new head coach Rick Curtis. The Saints made history during the abbreviated spring season with victories over Sonora and Valencia. The season opening 10-9 win over Sonora at home marked the first victory in school history over a large public school in the CIF Southern Section. Crean Lutheran also captured a 38-21 victory over Valencia that marked the first Empire league win in school history.

“The Saints honored God with their character, attitude and effort throughout the season by following the ‘Saints Strong’ moral and performance traits set forth by the athletic department!,” Curtis said. “The senior class led the way for the season as they would not be denied in their quest to leave their legacy, one that raised the expectations for the Saints football program.

“The offense was led by a senior dominated offensive line (Sammy McMillan, Graham Wyckoff, Caeden Chase, Joe Menton and Isaiah Obana) as they protected the ever improving sophomore quarterback Gavin Rogers throughout the season,” Curtis said. “Senior Matt Mahoney and junior Jack Fairchild led the receiving corps while David Huff and Brad Cooper were solid from the running back position.”

The defense was led by Blake Slezak, Cooper, Joseph Friske, Zach Cranford, Chase and sophomore Andrew Duberow.

“Seniors Sam Held, Wyckoff, Menton and Obana played key roles in the defensive line while Colby Douglas and Jake Ramirez held down the cornerback positions,” Curtis said. “Special teams’ player of the year Connor Grace led the league’s best special teams’ units with his booming kickoffs and punts. Grace had 13 touchbacks for the season along with a 39.2-yard average on punts.”

Curtis added the future is bright “with several key players returning to go with a frosh/soph team that finished second place in the Empire League and 5-1 on the season.”

2021-2022 Season Wrap Up

Crean Lutheran football team makes Coach Curtis proud

‘Whatever the task, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord and not for man.’ Colossians 3:23

The Crean Lutheran High School football team made head coach Rick Curtis proud as it put forth a determined effort in every game during the 2021 season.

“The Saints honored God with their character, attitude and effort throughout the season by following the ‘Saints Strong’ moral and performance traits set forth by the athletic department,” Curtis said.

“Despite an emotional season, the Saints battled in every game, continuing to raise the level of expectations for the football program. With only four seniors on this year's squad, the program has a lot of returning starters poised for the 2022 season.”

A number of Saints earned All-Empire League honors.

“Andrew Duberow (11) was named the Empire League's special teams player of the year and was first team All-Empire League,” Curtis said. “Other first-team all-leaguers included Zach Cranford (12) and Graham Austin (11). Gaining second-team honors were Noah Bray (12), Ben Buettel (11), Gavin Rogers (11) and Cristian Viola (11). Kyler Petronis (9), and Jake Daichendt (11) earned honorable mention recognition from the Empire League coaches.”

Curtis said the Saints’ 41-0 victory over La Puente in the homecoming game was the highlight of the season.

Standout receiver Jack Fairchild, also a track and field star, was injured in the sixth game and missed the rest of the season but still earned a Division 1 scholarship for two sports to Southern Utah University, Curtis added.

Curtis said he’s optimistic about the future of the football program.

“With the success of the freshman football team (5-5, 3-2 in the league) and the growth of the program in numbers and strength, the future is bright for the Saints,” Curtis said.

It's a great day to be a Saint!