School Spirit

Corpus Christi Flag Football Edges Calvary Christian in Defensive Struggle

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Neighborhood pride is on the line whenever Corpus Christi School and Calvary Christian face off in flag football action and last Wednesday’s eighth-grade clash was no exception.

Corpus Christi relied on stout defense and a touchdown run by dual -threat quarterback Liam Nassour to prevail 6-0 at Calvary Christian in the Highlands. The defensive line of Ehman McCool, Max Conchuratt, Rylan Junger and Sebastian Derosa applied constant pressure to the Cougars’ quarterbacks and an acrobatic interception by safety Joe Piscatella in the final minute sealed the victory for Corpus Christi, which earned valuable points in the chase for the coveted Palisades Cup (awarded to the local  parochial school with the most victories in head-to-head competition in fall, winter and spring sports among Corpus, Calvary and St. Matthew’s).

Linebackers Walter Sibson, Kellen Wald and Nassour did an admirable job limiting the short passes and runs by a Calvary Christian offense led by running back Xavier Burkett and quarterback Gavin Knyal. Nassour completed multiple passes to wide receiver Gunnar Strain while running back Tommy Lavia gained significant yardage on the ground to help the visitors control the ball and the clock.

Corpus Christi’s nail-biting victory in the eighth-grade game occurred two days after its equally-intense 8-0 triumph in the seventh-grade contest, when Wyatt Schinto scored Corpus Christi’s only touchdown and picked off a pass late in the fourth quarter to seal the deal. The black-clad Calvary Christian squad was difficult to slow down on its home turf led by crafty quarterback Finn Viles and speedy tailback Aleco Ulloa.

Although the teams compete in different leagues (Calvary Christian in the Pacific Basin League along with St. Matthew’s; Corpus Christi in the Catholic Youth Organization), bragging rights are always at stake. 

Corpus Christi travels to Marquez Knolls to take on St. Matthew’s in the seventh-grade game today and in the varsity contest (eighth-graders)on October 25.   

Last season was one to remember for Corpus Christi, which won the CYO Los Angeles Gold Division flag football championship, beating Long Beach St. Cyprian 24-8 in the final at Serra High in Gardena after posting backto-back playoff shutouts over Altadena St. Elizabeth and Bellflower St. Bernard.

Corpus is off to a fast start this fall as well, going 3-0 in pool play and coming in second place overall at the Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary varsity tournament Sept. 12.

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