MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- This week, the 6-0 St. Francis Lancers took on the 5-1 Bellarmine Bells in the Holy War. Bellarmine had won the past 10 Holy Wars in a row. A big part of the Holy War is the battle between students sections. St. Francis’s “Rage Cage” was as loud as ever, whereas the “Blue Crew” matched their noise level with sheer craziness.
Bellarmine would continue their streak, claiming another victory, 28-26.
Late in the fourth quarter, after a St. Francis touchdown to cut the lead to two, Bells' senior running back Devon Buenrosto ran a sweep for a 54 yard touchdown. “I credit our point to the O-line just working hard, Its a battle every single play,” said senior captain Jacob Bergstrom. Junior fullback Jackson Burrill agreed that “our big boys got it done in the trenches.”
The “four-headed” Bellarmine backfield of Antonio Garcia, Vincent Fernandez, Devon Buenrostro, and Kyle Macauley were impressive, totaling 293 all-purpose yards.
“These guys, they alternate because they all deserve to play and they all contribute,” said coach Mike Janda.
On the other side of the ball, the Bell defense was stout, holding Lancer star running back Cyrus Habibi-Likio to only 71 yards and one touchdown on the night.
“Cyrus is a good back, but when you wrap up and tackle like you're coached, then a back is just a back,” said Bergstrom.
St Francis was not disappointing though, committing no turnovers while quarterback Kamalii Akina rushed for 93 yards and was only sacked once. .
The St. Francis defense managed to do some shutting down of their own as well. Bell QB Troy Martig had only 13 rushing yards and 3 fumbles, all recovered by Bellarmine.
The game was emotional and gritty with 28 points being scored in the 4th quarter alone.
“First we have to give it up to the seniors; it’s their year. This is all for them. I think I speak for all of us when I say that I think we’re really hungry,” said Burrill.
St. Francis trimmed the lead to two points twice in the last five minutes. The Lancers attempted two onside kicks, one of which was nearly recovered.
