STOCKTON — The East Union Lancers took on a heavyweight in week zero.

The results weren’t pretty, as St. Mary’s High won handily, 67-13.

“We saw a top-tiered team,” said EU coach Willie Herrera, a 1999 graduate of St. Mary’s.

He knew since June that the first play against his alma mater would be an onside kick.

“We had nothing to lose,” Herrera said. “Why not try to catch (the Rams) by surprise?”

No surprise, St. Mary’s was well-prepared, recovering the kick and wasting little time to cash in on the opportunity. Quarterback Caleb Parrish, on third down, connected with Kaodi Dike on a 21-yard first-down toss. Moments later, he found Logan Sanders on a 14-yard scoring strike.

Sawyer Hicks’ extra point kick made it 7-0.

The Rams were just warming up.

East Union’s fake punt resulted in an interception. Parrish then hooked up with Brian Pascqual on a 22-yard TD.

Parrish, who completed 9 of his 12 passes for 128 yards, also hit Dike on 25-yard score. All told, he threw tallied three TD passes in the first quarter.

Javonte Norman made it 27-0, scoring on 34-yard run.

The Lancers’ big opportunity came early in the second quarter when Victor Lopez intercepted a pass at midfield, returning the pick 36 yards to the St. Mary’s 35.

Lucas Garcia came in at quarterback and subsequently hit Clay Cuneo on a 6-yard scoring strike. Jordan Kron booted the PAT kick.

Ahead 27-7, the Rams responded with 19 unanswered second-quarter points. Parish had an 8-yard scoring run and Javon Wilson scooted 38 yards for another score. The St. Mary’s special teams registered a safety while Hicks nailed a 33-yard field goal.

In the second half, Sanders had a 19-yard TD run. Marcus Lomas chipped with a 15- and 70-yard touchdowns.

The Lancers finally found the end zone again Aaron Ramos’ 1-yard plunge late in the game.

“We made some mistakes today,” said Herrera. “But kudos to St. Mary’s Rams.

“They’re a fantastically well prepared team.”

He strongly believes that his team will rebound from the lopsided loss.

“We took on a heavyweight,” Herrera said. “We will be back.”

Lopez picked up 32 yards on 10 carries to lead EU.

Wilson and Lomas both tallied 100 yards for the Rams.