The Crusaders prevailed from whistle-to-whistle in an 86-0 win over visiting College of Faith (Ark.) on Saturday at Brown Field.
Valpo received a banner day from a multitude of running backs, including its captain, Jake Hutson (Blanchard, Mich./Montabella). The redshirt senior found the end zone four times on just six carries. Freshman Legend Choudhry (Houston, Tex./Goose Creek Memorial) flirted with the 100-yard plateau, but gladly settled for two touchdown carries and 93 yards on 14 touches. Grayson Bastin (Fort Wayne, Ind./Homestead) averaged over 11 yards per carry on seven rushes. He added a rushing touchdown as well. Redshirt sophomore Kenneth Floyd (Norwalk, Iowa/Community) pitched in a pair of fourth-quarter TD scampers.
Overall, the Crusaders racked up eight rushing touchdowns and 333 yards on the ground.
Saturday's game also saw sophomore quarterback Ryan Clarke (Hopatcong, N.J./Hopatcong) receive extended time behind center. Clarke connected with seven different receivers for 135 passing yards. He finished the day 12-for-18 with two touchdown tosses and a QB rating of 166.3. Frank Catrine (Springboro, Ohio/Bishop Fenwick) hauled in a game-high four passes for 63 yards and a score. Freshman tight end Mason Sutter (Woodstock, Ill./Woodstock) snagged his first receiving touchdown, an eight-yard pitch-and-catch from Clarke.
The Crusader defense shined as well, logging ten sacks and forcing five fumbles. The Brown and Gold recovered two. Freshman Drew Snouffer (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) scooped up one mishap and ran it back 41 yards for a score. Christian Campbell (South Bend, Ind./Washington) picked off a pass for the second straight contest. Brandon Riley (Chicago, Ill./Morgan Park) also recorded an interception on defense.
Valpo (0-2) will begin Pioneer Football League play next Saturday versus San Diego. The Toreros (1-1, 0-0 PFL) ride into town for a 12:30 p.m. CT Homecoming tilt.
