Brother Rice hangs on to top Leo

Updated: October 21, 2011 11:44PM

Brother Rice celebrated senior night and for three and a half quarters the Crusaders and their fans were reveling in anticipation of an easy victory.

But the Crusaders nearly squandered a 33-point lead holding off Leo 45-40.

“We love to rush the football,” said Martez Walker, who finished with 10 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns. “Our offensive line did a great job.”

Brother Rice led 17-6 at half. The Crusaders (6-3) scored 21 third-quarter points to take a 38-6 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The teams traded touchdowns before Leo scored 28 unanswered points.

The Lions (4-5) were led by Keith Harris (seven carries, 242 yards) who had touchdown runs of 69 and 84 yards.

Quarterback Jarrod Cooper scored twice on short runs of three and two yards.

The second touchdown cut the lead to 45-32.

After an onside kick recovery, Cooper completed a touchdown pass of 30 yards to Joshua Owens to cut the lead to 45-40 with 40 seconds to play.

Brother Rice then recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.

The Crusaders were also led by Andrew Walker (15 carries, 84 yards, touchdown) and Richard Mayer, who carried twice for 34 yards and two touchdowns.

The loss knocks Leo out of the playoffs.

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