Crespi Wins, Beats Back Old Nemesis

It had been three years, 13 games and a lot of heartache since Crespi High had won a Del Rey League game.

Friday night at Crespi, it all ended in a 31-14 victory over St. Francis.

“I’m very pleased that we finally won one,” Crespi Coach Bill Redell said. “We’re a good football team that just hasn’t been winning. It’s great to get one.”

St. Francis, who has enjoyed much success against Crespi, had one coming.

Over the years, the Golden Knights had been unkind to the Celts. They led the series, 10-3-1, and had outscored Crespi, 283-84.

Friday, it was the Celts’ turn.

Crespi (5-4 overall, 1-3 in league) gained 243 yards on the ground and 364 total as it controled the ball for most of the game.

The principals: quarterback Randy Redell completed 5 of 7 passes for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns, and running back Jeff Kellogg rushed for 109 yards on 19 carries.

Crespi held the Golden Knights (2-7, 1-3) to 48 yards rushing and 174 total yards.

But perhaps no one stood out more than Rob O’Byrne, a sophomore transfer from Westlake High. He had spent most of the season playing behind Redell as the No. 2 quarterback, playing a little at defensive back and virtually playing in the anonymity that goes along with being a backup on a floundering team.

As it turned out, he was waiting for the right moment.

Against St. Francis, he found it. On the second play of the second quarter, he made a good catch in the end zone of a 39-yard pass from Redell. It gave the Celts a 10-0 advantage.

In the third quarter, he intercepted a Mike Betance pass and returned it 39 yards for another score, giving Crespi a 31-7 lead.

“There’s no feeling like this in the world,” O’Byrne said. “I just feel incredible right now.”

That’s been an unfamiliar feeling at Crespi recently. It’s the feeling of a winner.