LIVONIA. Mich. - Following their two-game road stretch, the Madonna University Crusaders returned home to Churchill High School to face the No. 19 Concordia University Ann Arbor Cardinals. The Cardinals displayed why they are ranked No. 19 nationally as they were able to shut down the Crusaders offense and take home a 67-0 victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Cardinals won the toss and elected to receive the opening kick. After the Crusaders nearly forced a three-and-out, one big play kick-started the Cardinals' offense as they drove down the field for six. An interception thrown by the Crusaders on their first drive would be taken back for six points going the other way as the Cardinals extended their early lead. 

The Cardinals would take that momentum into a first-half masterclass as they led 55-0 at halftime over the Crusaders.

The Crusader defense played stout in the second half, only allowing ten points on defense to the Cardinals after their incredible first half run. Linebacker Dante Cardinali led the way with nine total tackles including one for loss. Defensive end Will Fennema II wasn't far behind with seven total tackles with a tackle-for-loss and a blocked extra point.

Freshman safety Terrance Wilson made a touchdown-saving interception with a snag in the endzone to give the Crusaders the ball back late in the game. Despite their defense's efforts, the offense was unable to move the ball against the Cardinal's aggressive front. The Cardinals would come out on top 67-0 to snap their two-game losing streak.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
 

• Cardinali led the team with nine total tackles and one tackle-for-loss.
• Emerson Combs led the offense with four catches for 38 yards.
• As a team, the Crusaders recorded four tackles for loss.

UP NEXT:

The Crusaders will head to Adrian, Michigan for their final road game of the season against Siena Heights University. Kickoff is set for 12:00 pm from O'Laughlin Stadium.