Crusaders rally to top Desert Shields

Faith Lutheran rallied from a slow start Friday night on the way to a 40-22 road victory over Cheyenne.

For almost a full half, Cheyenne controlled Faith Lutheran, leading 14-7, and holding the Crusaders to 18 yards of offense. Then, with a minute to play in the second quarter, things went south for the Desert Shields as Faith defensive back Robby Schwartz tipped a Cheyenne pass to Cole Thomas for an interception and the Crusaders capitalized with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Brenden Joyce to Alec Netski with 39 seconds left in the half.

Turnovers were the story all night for Cheyenne (2-2, 1-1 Sunset League). The Desert Shields' first drive lasted one play -- a fumble recovered by Netski. Two Faith Lutheran drives later, the Desert Shields forced a punt but fumbled to give the Crusaders a second chance. After limiting Faith Lutheran to a field goal on that opportunity, the Desert Shields were flagged for roughing the kicker, setting up a 2-yard Saundre Spiller TD instead.

Faith Lutheran (3-1, 2-0) followed its late first-half TD with three straight scores to start the second half. Christian Marshall — held to 22 yards on 10 carries in the first half — warmed up to finish with 160 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. Joyce connected on six passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns.

Corwin Bush rushed for 117 yards, and David Walker added 103 rushing yards for Cheyenne.