The Faith Lutheran football team has a simple goal: Win the Northwest League.
Yet, that’s easier said than done when considering the division is the best in Nevada with no easy weeks. Just ask Centennial.
Two weeks ago, Centennial knocked off five-time defending Northwest champion Arbor View and was anointed as the new favorites in the Northwest. But what about Faith Lutheran, which took second last year, only losing late against Arbor View?
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The Crusaders couldn’t help feeling overlooked — well, until Friday. They scored the game’s final 10 points in a 24-20 win at Centennial, moving to 2-0 in the Northwest and in a first-place tie with Palo Verde.
“A lot of people wrote us off,” Faith Lutheran coach Vernon Fox said. “I would hope (the win) gives (players) confirmation about what we already believe in ourselves.”
Faith Lutheran has gotten better each week. Yes, they managed just 30 points in dropping their initial three games of the season. But those contests came against national opponents and Faith Lutheran was breaking in first-time contributors at key offensive positions.
They’ve now won three straight games.
“We certainly consider ourselves one of the top teams in the city,” Fox said.
Riley Schwartz’s 30-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter proved to be the winning points for the Crusaders. Alex Khachoyan added insurance points with a 29-yard field goal, his second field goal on the night.
In the first quarter, Peyton Thornton caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Grant Wood. Julian Rohan added an 8-yard touchdown run.
“At key times, we moved the ball and obviously scored when we needed to,” Fox said. “That’s the name of the game, scoring a little more than they do.”
Centennial’s touchdowns came on a 4-yard run from Jordan Smith, and a Colton Tenney touchdown pass to Nate Conger.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21