Posted Thursday, September 22, 2005 by Mike ODonnell

On Sat the Crusaders took the field worrying about a high powered Offense of St John the Baptist. The Cougars have many skilled Offensive weapons. That coupled with some key injuries to Nick Venice , Paul Mohan [ Two Crusader captains] Michael Degrella & Mark Maddallo all were unable to play because of injury. Many young Crusaders stepped up in some unhuman temperatures. It was over 90 at one point , But at times felt like a 100 + degrees with the humidity. Thunder & Lightning threatened all day.
St John's got on board 1st to go up 7-0. Crusaders came roaring backwith it's own Thunder & Lightning - 2 TD's by Greg Datino, 1 by Sean Shepard, 2 by Rashaad Slowley[ Rashaad had another TD interception return called back!].
3 Defensive Touchdowns were recorded on day with Chris Giardini making a unbelievable Sack, forced fumble & a scoop & score all on same play. Bobby McDonough sealed the win with a 4 th quarter TD interception return. It was a wild day at Babe Ruth Stadium, the Crusaders Steve Meyes threw 26 passes completing 14 for over 180 yds. Many Crusaders contibuted to the Off effort. Billy Coles caught his 1st pass as a Crusader, Sean Shepard & Greg Datino 1st TD's as Crusaders. Kevin royale continued his great play on Off & Def.
On Def the Crusaders held own a high powered Off in first half holding them scoreless after 1st score in half. Sacks were recorded by Giardini, Valentino & Kolman. Bobby Mc Donough again had a strong day leading Crusaders on Tackles. Ryan Carson had a great game at Corner with a pick & many big tackles. Patrick Henderson stepped in at CB & had a great game. Bubba & Paul Faia both had strong games at OLB. Rashaad Slowley had 2 picks one for 91 yd interception return. Slowley had another interception for a touchdown called back for a clipping call.
Tom Warkenthien had a very productive day on Def & made some crushing blocks on special teams.
Good Job by all the Crusaders.
Check out new pictures taken by Donald Kelly in Photo Galleries. Feel free to download.
Next game vs St Peter [2-0] at Port Richmond HS in Staten Island Sunday at 1:30
JV plays st. Peters [ 2-0] 10 am TBA in Staten island on Sat
Freshman play St John The baptist Sat 10 am at Home