HS FOOT: Crespi up 15-0 over Birmingham at halftime

Crespi looks sharp, opening a 15-0 halftime lead over visiting Birmingham.

Birmingham started nervously, as its first three drives ended with a lost fumble on its own 20, a fumbled punt snap on its own 20, then a lost fumble in the end zone.

Following Birmingham's second turnover, Crespi cashed in two plays later with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Bryan Bennett to Blake Stanton, who faked out several defenders near the goal line.

Birmingham had a prime opportunity to tie the score, but Tajuan Briggs coughed up the football just as he was about to score on a 4-yard run, and Kevin Cummings recovered in the end zone for a touchback.

On the ensuing series, Crespi's Brad Lattanzio rushed for 24 yards, then 21 yards, followed three plays later with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Bennett to Cummings.
Kahlil Bass' two-point conversion run on a quick snap made it 15-0.

Birmingham did not record a first down over the next two possessions, but had a good chance to score in the closing minutes of the first half after recovering a fumble on the Crespi 35. The Patriots drove to the 6, but Morey Croson was tackled at the 2 while trying to scramble as the halftime clock ran out.

Croson had difficulty handling Crespi's blitzing defense. He was sacked just once but was constantly chased out of the pocket, finishing the first half 6 for 12 for 89 yards.