Football: Cordell and the Celts pass early season test

Senior quarterback Cody Cordell completed 17 of 25 passes for 240 yards, three touchdowns and an interception as Encino Crespi overcame three first-half turnovers to rout host Tucson Salpointe Catholic 35-20 in its season opener.   

Sophomore Okalani Langi gained 142 yards in 20 carries and caught a 12-yard swing pass for Crespi's first touchdown. The Celts led 17-3 at halftime and built a commanding 35-6 lead before the reserves surrendered a pair of late touchdowns.

"This sets the tone for the rest of the season," Langi said. "We're making a statement. We're back and we're gonna make the playoffs. Cody [Cordell] played great, he's our leader and he's going to take us to the promise land."

It was the inaugural Elijah Cup game between the two Catholic schools and Crespi Coach Jon Mack hopes it will blossom into a competitive out-of-state rivalry. Afterwards, the teams met at the 50-yard line for the postgame prayer and the Celts were presented with a gold-plated trophy.

"They're coming to our place next season, so hopefully this is the start of a long tradition," Mack said. "Traveling here was a great experience for us. It's the first time six of our kids ever got on a plane."

-- Steve Galluzzo

Caption: Crespi players celebrate their 35-20 victory over Salpointe Catholic in the inaugural Elijah Cup game Saturday night in Tucson, Arizona. Credit: Steve Galluzzo / For The Times