In the span of less than a decade, Crean Lutheran has at some point held the title for the fastest-rising boys basketball program, girls basketball program, and baseball program.
Meanwhile, the Saints’ football team has risen so fast in the last few years that by the time it started getting its due credit, it had already reached the status of CIF-Southern Section Division 2 dark horse championship contender.
In Week Nine of 2025, Crean Lutheran got hammered 21-0 in the first one quarter plus one play of the second quarter by formidable Huntington Beach only to record one of the defining wins in the program’s history. 3-star RB and Sacramento State commit Caleb Bey recorded 237 yards and three touchdowns, mostly on the ground, as the Saints came back to tie the game at 21-21 before halftime and held on to win 31-28 for a 9-0 record and Epsilon League title.
Crean Lutheran went on to blow out Laguna Hills 50-7 in Week 10 to cement the undefeated regular season and sweep of the Epsilon League.
For its comeback to beat Huntington Beach, Crean Lutheran has been voted The Sporting News California Team of the Week for Week Nine. After making the CIF-SS D3 quarterfinals in 2024, the Saints have been placed in Division 2 and look to take down Leuzinger at home on Friday.
Voting results for SN’s California football Team of the Week for Week 9
Meet the candidates for California Team of the Week
Crean Lutheran: The Saints came back from a 21-0 hole to beat Huntington Beach 31-28 for an Epsilon League title and move to 9-0.
Laguna Beach: The Breakers took down Dana Hills 49-40 in Foxtrot League play in a battle of 8-0 teams.
Los Altos (Hacienda Heights): The Conquerors defeated Diamond Bar 49-35 to stay undefeated and clinch at minimum a share of the Hacienda League title.
Merced: The Bears moved to 9-0 and clinched a CCC title by rolling past Atwater 49-14.
Monte Vista (Danville): The Mustangs handed California (San Ramon) its first loss in a 34-13 upset to open EBAL play.
Palisades: The Dolphins clinched a Western League title and moved to 9-0 with a 46-30 win against Hamilton (Los Angeles).
Palm Desert: The Aztecs upset their previously unbeaten rival Palm Springs 35-28 to move into first place in the Desert Empire League.
San Clemente: The Tritons leapt eight spots in the Southern Section rankings and returned to the statewide top 25 after upsetting previously unbeaten Los Alamitos 28-9.
Templeton: The Eagles defeated Nipomo 56-31 in a battle of the last two unbeaten teams in Ocean League play.
Torrance: The Tartars stayed undefeated and clinched a Pioneer League title by cruising past Santa Monica 49-14.
