Led by a six-touchdown performance by senior quarterback Billy Hart, DeLaSalle scored early and often in a 62-12 victory over Tri-Metro Conference rival St. Croix Lutheran.
“We just executed,” the 5-11, 175-pound Hart said. “That’s what it’s all about, execution.”
Hart and the Islanders, who won last year’s Tri-Metro title and reached the 2013 Class 4A state semifinal,took advantage of back-to-back fumbles by St. Croix Lutheran on the Crusaders’ first two possessions to take an early 14-0 lead.
Down 21-0 St. Croix Lutheran, the defending Class 3A state champion, clawed back to make it 21-12 with back-to-back rushing touchdowns by senior running back Trevor Koester and senior quarterback Josh Tietz, with 1:34 left in the first half.
But a 27-point third quarter by DeLaSalle made it 55-12 and blew the game open.
Hart completed 10 of 13 passes for 180 yards and five touchdowns and had eight rushes for 113 yards and one score.
In his first action as a running back, senior James King, Jr. rushed 10 times for 162 yards and a touchdown.
Hart and King each said this year’s goal for the Islanders is the Prep Bowl.
“We have a lot of talented individuals,” King said. “When we all play together, you just see what happens. We’re unstoppable.”
Key of the game: It took DeLaSalle just 39 seconds to score to start the second half. King capped the three-play drive with a 15-yard touchdown, giving the Islanders a 35-12 lead.
Quote: “I’m not the fastest running back, but I know I’m strong. If you’re in the way, you’re going to move.” -- 5-9, 200 pound James King, Jr.
One thing to know: DeLaSalle senior receiver Christina Carte caught a pass from backup QB Nick Weber in the fourth quarter. Carte, the lone girl on the Islanders’ roster, has been on the team four years. It was her second-ever catch.
PATRICK JOHNSON
