‘Wrecking’ Crews, SuHi topple Sultans

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: August 29, 2024

2024 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
Week 2

SWEETWATER 21, SANTANA 7

ECS staff report

NATIONAL CITY – Moments after Santana jumped back into Thursday’s (Aug. 29) non-league game at historic Gail Devers Stadium, Sweetwater quarterback Zaryan Crews busted loose on a 62-yard touchdown run — his third score of the contest — allowing the Red Devils to topple the Sultans, 21-7.

Sweetwater (2-0) is undefeated through two ballgames for only the second time in a decade (2020). The Red Devils also snapped a 5-game losing streak to the Santana, downing the Sultans for the first time since the 1970 CIF San Diego Section playoffs.

Trailing 14-0, Santana jumped back into the contest on a 3-yard run by Caleb Carnes.

The score coming in the final moments of the third quarter, was a nice bounce back after the Sultans were hit with a holding penalty while in the SuHi red zone, yet converted a third-down play to set up the TD by Carnes.

Early On

The Sultans had the Red Devils corralled for the most part in the opening quarter.

Jordyn Gillissie had a pair of tackles behind the line of scrimmage, while teammate Noah Qualin also had a tackle for loss.

Crews, a multi-purpose performer. used his arm to gain the early lead. He twice connected on long passes to set up TD runs. The four-year varsity performer capped the first scoring drive with a 3-yard run seconds before the first quarter concluded.

The margin then went to two touchdowns on another 1-yard dive for Crews to open the second half.

Santana quarterback Josh Pehl was 19-for-29 for 138 yards.

The Sultans’ Xander Bennett had six receptions, as did Qualin. The duo combined for 55 receiving yards.

Carnes finished with 54 yards rushing and 25 yards receiving.

Santana senior Kaedyn Hallman had 65 yards of total offense.

The Sultans will face Hilltop next week. The Lancers host Temescal Canyon this Friday before facing the Sultans at Community Stadium.