Last season, Delisle beat John Paul II Crusader soundly, and could do almost anything they wanted offensively and defensively.
This season, although Delisle beat John Paul II Friday, it wasn't by the same margin, as the Crusaders had some positives come from the game.
The Crusaders faced Delisle at Beaver Lions Stadium and surrender a touchdown in each of the first, second and third quarters and two in the fourth quarter. The Crusaders were unable to score in the game and fell 34-0. They also dropped to 1-3 on the season with two games to play.
Delisle used a two-man quarterback rotation throughout the game and balanced their strong running attack with some connections through the air. Ryle Dierdal and Kyle Richardson each threw a touchdown pass. Richardson hooked up with Tanner Olsen for a 53-yard passing play in the third quarter. Colten MacKenzie rushed for two touchdowns while Jeff Shirley, the featured running back, ran one in as well.
The Crusaders also had their share of positive plays and the two major ones came in the first half when Nathan Eckel connected with last season's MVP Calvin Perepeljuk for more than 35 yards, twice. Quin Cubbon also had a long reception in the second half for John Paul II.
Defensively, Adrien Dillabough had a big sack for the Crusaders, but the highlight was a blocked convert in the first quarter by a group of Crusaders led by Carson Churchman.
The Crusader will look to make a push for the playoffs with their final home game of the season Friday against Martensville at Beaver Lions Stadium at 4:30 p.m.
