Althoff remains undefeated with easy win over Mount Vernon

Once again on Friday at Lindenwood Stadium, the high-powered Althoff offense was in full display as it scored early and often in its South Seven Conference opener against Mount Vernon.

Only on this night it was the Crusaders’ defense who stole the show.

After allowing 106 points in its first three games, Althoff’s “D’ was in total shutdown as it held the Rams in check in an easy 42-0 win.

Quarterback Jordan Augustine completed 15-of-21 for 230 yards and three touchdowns — all in a first half in which Althoff held Mount Vernon (1-3, 0-1) to just one first down. Junior wide receiver-defensive back C.J. Coldon put the finishing touch on the Crusaders dominating first half with a 25-yard interception return for a score.

“We had been on them (the defense) the last week because of all the points we had allowed in the first three games,” Althoff coach Ken Turner said. “We didn’t really do anything different on defense tonight. It’s just that guys really stood up and played well tonight. I’m proud of them.”

Ranked fourth in the Class 4A state poll, Althoff improved to 4-0 overall.

Althoff led 7-0 late in the first quarter following a 7-yard scoring play from Augustine to Young. On the Rams next possession and third of the game, running back Drew Hester was separated from the football on a crushing hit by a Crusaders defender and Althoff had the ball at the Mount Vernon 47-yard line.

Seven plays later and scrambling to his left, Augustine broke three tackles and scored on a 12-yard run to give Althoff a 14-0 lead with 31 seconds left in the opening period.

Augustine added a 29-yard scoring strike to Young and a 31-yard touchdown pass to Coldon. Malik Easley added a 48-yard touchdown in the third quarter to close out the Crusaders scoring.

Augustine, who completed 25-of-30 for more than 500 yards and five touchdowns a week ago against Mater Dei, was razor sharp once again Friday against the Rams. Easley rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown and the defense played as well as it has all year.

“Jordan (Augustine) played very well again tonight and he’s playing as well right now as anybody who has played quarterback here in the last few years,” Turner said. Mount Vernon was taking away the run so it was good that we were able to move the football through the air.

Mount Vernon is home vs. Marion on Sept. 25; Althoff is home vs. Centralia on Sept. 25.

This story was originally published September 18, 2015 at 11:17 PM with the headline "Althoff remains undefeated with easy win over Mount Vernon."