St. Francis High School opened conference play Friday with a 42-20 home win over Archbishop Mitty, thanks to a dominating ground game and four rushing touchdowns from star running back Kingston Keanaaina.
The Lancers (2-2) had 240 total rushing yards on 33 attempts for over 7 yards a carry, compared to 71 yards on 33 rushes for the Monarchs (3-1), in a game where they played their preferred brand of football and controlled the line of scrimmage. Keanaaina, off to a fast start this season, finished with 167 yards on 15 carries. He already has 553 yards and eight touchdowns through the first four games.
“We had a really great week of practice,” Keanaaina said after the win. “Mitty is a great program, so we had to prepare really well, especially with the upset last year. We had to bounce back this week and do what we do.”
The Lancers avenged their 42-41 overtime loss to the Monarchs in last year’s Central Coast Section playoffs, when Mitty outscored St. Francis 29-14 in the third and fourth quarters to tie the game and eventually win in overtime. The semifinal loss saw Keanaaina run for 181 yards and five touchdowns.
“42-41, we still remember that game like it was yesterday, so it was great to bounce back for our seniors,” Keanaaina said.
The Lancers’ special teams played a significant role in breaking the game open, with a fumble recovery from Langakali Moa on the opening kickoff that led to a touchdown from receiver Perrion Williams to make it 7-0. The Lancers blocked two punts later in the game, leading to two touchdowns. After taking a 21-13 lead into the half, the start of the third quarter saw the Lancers take charge with a 63-yard rush from Keanaaina on the first play from scrimmage to make it 28-13. St. Francis running back Andrew Scharrenberg followed with a 28-yard touchdown run with 6:08 left in the third quarter before Keanaaina iced the game with a 12-yard run late in the fourth quarter.
St. Francis head coach Greg Calcagno said the team made some blocking adjustments at halftime that showed up in Keanaaina’s touchdown to start the third, noting it was a great example of blocking and executing followed by Keanaaina making a player miss and getting to the end zone. Keanaaina praised the offensive line and receivers for making good blocks throughout the game, leading to open holes.
“I think I’m getting them donuts tomorrow,” Keanaaina said.
Calcagno described Keanaaina as a great leader and quiet example for everyone on the team through his hard work on and off the field.
“He’s a great example and a great kid to have every day,” the coach said. “He shows up, and he works hard. He’s a guy who gets a lot of attention, so it’s nice when the guys who get all the attention are the most humble guys and the most team-focused.”
St. Francis quarterback Aaron Knapp was 9-for-13 for 43 yards and a touchdown, while Williams notched four receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown. Scharrenberg finished with nine carries for 39 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Chase Cahoon had 14 total tackles.
St Francis is scheduled to take on Serra High (4-0) in San Mateo 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
