Lightning favored against St. Anthony

Having completed its first varsity Academy League season last

week, the Sage Hill High football team hopes to put an end to its

three-game losing streak when its meets St. Anthony tonight at 7 at

Clark Field in Long Beach.

The Saints are in the midst of much longer victory drought, having

dropped their last 17 contests, including 0-8 this season.

Sage Hill (3-5) is anxious to add another victory to its debut

season and appears capable of extending the Saints’ woes.

The two teams have one similar opponent: Mary Star of the Sea.

Sage Hill lost to the Stars, 34-20, in Week 7, while St. Anthony lost

a 31-0 decision on Oct. 18. It was the third shutout sustained this

season by the Saints, who have scored just 30 points in eight games.

St. Anthony is surrendering 31 points per game, while Sage Hill is

giving up nearly 33 per contest. But the Lightning has scored 120

points this season with an offense keyed by the passing of

quarterback Zach Friedrichs.

Friedrichs, whose mobility has been limited recently by a severe

thigh bruise, has thrown for 1,281 yards and 10 touchdowns this fall.

He has completed 77 of 167 with 12 interceptions.

Senior Erik Williams has also been a valuable offensive weapon for

the Lightning. He has 259 yards and one touchdown rushing and also

leads the receiving corps with 25 catches for 434 yards and five TDs.

Fullback Cliff Swanson is the leading ground gainer for Sage Hill

with 312 yards and six TDs on 99 carries.

Scott Cho (18 catches for 302 yards and two TDs) and freshman Keya

Manshadi (12 catches for 283 yards and three TDs) are additional

targets for Friedrichs.