Crespi and Santa Margarita face off in first round of playoffs

The unstoppable force of Encino Crespi’s running game overwhelmed Santa Margarita as the Celts took a commanding 45-13 victory. The game was the first-round of the CIF Southern Section Pac 5 Division.

Entering the game an 8-1, the Celts ranked 74^th in the DigitalSports National Football Rankings and 9^th in California. Right behind them, Santa Margarita ranked 95^th in the nation and 10^th in the state.

The game got off to an exciting start when Santa Margarita scored an 80-yard touchdown on the first play. Then, Crespi went on to mark four consecutive scores within 12 minutes.

The Eagles found the endzone just once in the second quarter. From that point on, the Celts kept Santa Margarita off the scoreboard.

Led by T.J. Brumfield, the Crespi rushers game 385 yards, 252 of which came in the Celts’ 31-point first half. Brumfield carried the ball 21 times for a total of 186 yards and four touchdowns. Fullback Jalen Starks added on 92 yards and a score.

Crespi advances to the second round of the playoffs to face Long Beach Poly. The Jackrabbits will be tough opponents with a 10-1 record, ranking 28^th in the country and 7^th in state. The two talented Californian teams face off on November 21 at 7:30pm.