Lasley, Redell Shine as Crespi Wins, 38-21

With Russell White not able to play because of an injured ankle, it was a contest Friday night to see which Crespi High player could have his moment in the spotlight.

That is, when there was any light at all.

The game was delayed 20 minutes in the first quarter when the stadium lights suddenly went out, but that didn’t stop J. J. Lasley and Ron Redell from shining in Crespi’s 38-21 win at St. John Bosco.

Lasley rushed for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns in 24 carries and also returned a kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown. Redell completed 12 of 18 passes for 216 yards and 2 touchdowns.

With a playoff berth already assured, Crespi did not want to risk further injury to White, considered one of the best running backs in the nation.

“Russell getting all the attention doesn’t bother me,” Lasley said before the game. “I just figure that tonight will be my chance to get some attention.”

Lasley probably got the attention of St. John Bosco coach Bill Friedrich, who said before the game: “I’m kind of disappointed White’s not going to play. It’s kind of a challenge trying to stop him.”

It was challenge enough trying to stop Lasley. The senior returned a kickoff 78 yards in the third quarter after Jim Niccoli’s 19-yard touchdown run. Bill Gould’s point-after made the score 35-21.

St. John Bosco quarterback Bob Jakubik rushed for 100 yards in 17 carries and scored on a two-yard run in the third quarter. Jakubik completed only 4 of 16 passes for 45 yards.

Crespi (8-1-1), which led at halftime, 21-7, scored on its first possession of the second half on a 12-yard pass from Redell to Dave Lefner.

On Crespi’s first possession, Lasley scored on a one-yard run after carrying the ball nine times on the 11-play drive.

Redell hit Eric Kieling with a 50-yard touchdown pass on Crespi’s next possession. Gould’s point-after made the score 14-0.

In the first half, Redell completed 8 of 9 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown and threw one interception. Lasley carried 16 times for 46 yards and a touchdown. For St. John Bosco (5-4-1, 1-2-1), Jakubik rushed nine times for 70 yards.