As the saying goes, the best offense is a strong defense.

No. 6 seed Faith Lutheran proved that with another upset win in the 5A Southern Region playoffs Friday night, defeating host and second-seeded Las Vegas 17-7 to advance to the championship round.

Headlined by pick-sixes from defensive backs Ace Brimmer and Jaden Mason, the Crusaders defense gave Wildcat quarterback Tanner Vibabul trouble all night. Faith Lutheran contained a powerful Las Vegas offense, sacking Vibabul six times.

“We came out here and shut them down,” Mason said. “Going through the troubles of the season, every week we just learned. Our defense really came together. We had struggles all year, and we really picked it up in practice. Our intensity just went up.”

The Crusaders (5-7) will square off against another u

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