Crespi High School’s football team achieved a notable victory on October 17, 2025, overcoming a 14-point deficit to defeat Salesian High School 31-16. This win improves Crespi’s record to an impressive 8-0 for the season and secures their position at the top of the Del Rey League with a 3-0 mark in league play.
Crespi head coach Brad Vonnahme praised his team’s resilience, stating, “It did not start well. We were very resilient, very opportunistic.” He emphasized the importance of stopping Salesian’s run game, which allowed Crespi’s pass rush to dominate the latter stages of the game.
The Crespi defense played a pivotal role in the win, forcing four turnovers and contributing two defensive touchdowns. Notably, Oliver White intercepted a pass and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, further solidifying his impact on the game. The Celts also recorded five sacks, with edge rusher Somto Nwute leading the charge with three sacks.
The game began with Crespi trailing 14-0 after two long touchdown passes from Salesian quarterback Donovan Shirley, who is committed to Sacramento State. Crespi managed to narrow the gap, scoring their first touchdown after linebacker Daniel Tobar recovered a fumble in the end zone. Despite a strong 14-play drive at the end of the first half, Crespi was stopped just short of the goal line, leaving the score at 14-7 by halftime.
In the second half, Salesian extended their lead to 16-7 following a safety forced by defensive tackle Michael Haltom. However, Crespi quickly responded by recovering a fumble and subsequently scoring on a 31-yard touchdown run by Jaden Ayala, bringing the score to 16-14.
Crespi’s momentum continued as they forced back-to-back three-and-outs from Salesian. Tate Benjamin then kicked a 27-yard field goal, putting Crespi ahead 17-16 early in the fourth quarter. A pivotal moment came when punter Blue McFarland executed a 44-yard run on a fake punt to keep the drive alive before the field goal.
As the game progressed, Salesian found themselves trailing 17-16 and attempted to mount a comeback. However, White again made a significant play by forcing a fumble, allowing Crespi to regain possession at the Salesian 40-yard line. Three plays later, quarterback Chase Curren connected with McFarland for a 17-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 24-16.
With just over two minutes remaining, Salesian was determined to answer back, but White sealed the game with an interception, returning it for another touchdown and finalizing the score at 31-16. Ayala concluded the game with 11 carries for 89 yards and one touchdown, while Curren completed 19 of 31 passes for 207 yards, including one touchdown and one interception.
“Our defense has been lockdown all season. There’s no team that can compete with us in this league,” said White confidently after the game.
Crespi is set to face Harvard-Westlake next week, aiming for a perfect 9-0 record and 4-0 in league play, while Salesian will look to regroup against St. Anthony at home.
