By Rich Whittington
(Santa Fe Springs) – The St. Paul Swordsmen got their first win of the 2026 season Friday evening defeating the visiting Whittier Cardinals, 28-0, at Monsignor Cranham Stadium…also known as “The Pit”.
The Swordsmen took control of this contest early, scoring on the game’s opening drive when quarterback Joshua Villalta connected with receiver Cole Levario for a 21-yard touchdown. The extra point was added by Aero Arce, making the score 7-0 with 9:36 remaining in the opening quarter.
St. Paul increased the lead when running back Benjamin Lafferre scored on a 1-yard touchdown blast. The PAT was unsuccessful and it was 13-0 after one quarter of play.
St. Paul continued its dominance in the second period as Villalta found Levario for a 10-yard score…their second of the evening. The two-point conversion by Lafferre made it 21-0 with 6:55 to play in the opening half.
The Swordsman posted their final score of the evening in the third quarter when Nikko Luevano scored on a 20-yard scamper. A second successful Arce kick made the score 28-0 with 4:30 remaining in the third period.
Whittier was not able to establish a rhythm during this contest. Penalties, dropped passes, and fumbles kept the Cardinals from being successful.
With the win, St. Paul improved to 1-2 while Whittier fell to 2-1.
Next up for the Swordsmen is a showdown on Friday night against the Servite Friars at Orange Coast College. Whittier’s next contest is on Thursday night when the Cards will host the Bellflower Buccaneers.
Loading ...
St Paul’s schedule is brutal. This schedule was set last year under a different head coach. They have talent and will win the games they should but not so much against the tougher opponents.
Sad state of affairs for the old run down school on greenleaf