LIVONIA, Mich. - The Madonna Crusaders returned to Churchill High School for their second-consecutive home game in a matchup against the No. 5 ranked Marian University Knights this afternoon. Despite a great defensive effort by the Crusaders, the Knights would shut their offense down and take a 41-0 victory over the Crusaders.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Marian's powerful offense, who is top-ten nationally in every offensive category, got a hot start as they scored on the game's opening drive to take a 7-0 lead over the Crusaders. Madonna's offense could not get the ball rolling early, as a few quick three-and-out drives resulted in Marian jumping ahead to a 21-0 lead. 

Madonna's longest play from scrimmage on the day would come from a 34-yard catch-and-run by senior tight end Connor Carrigan from quarterback Max Morris in the final seconds of the first quarter. Carrigan's big gain would put the Crusaders in position to get points on the board with a field goal attempt from kicker Darren Francis. However, Francis' kick would be blocked by the Knights who would then take over on downs.

A number of costly miscues cost the Crusaders a chance at points in their following drives in the second quarter. However, their defense stood tall, holding the No. 5 offense in the country to just ten points in the second quarter. They made a statement on the final drive before the half, forcing three straight incompletions after giving up good field position. Senior defensive linemen Bobby Martin got home with two quarterback hurries, and sophomore Will Fennema II had one of his own to force the Knights to punt away good field position before the halftime break. Crusaders trailed 31-0 at halftime.

The Crusader offense would continue to appear out-of-sync in the second half, unable to get any momentum. However, their defense would stand tall, holding the Knights to just ten second-half points. The final score from Churchill High School: 41-0 as Marian University came out on top over the Madonna University Crusaders.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
 

• Morris led the Crusaders in passing, going 12-for-35 for 135 yards.
• D'Vonta Garrett led the team in receiving with 49 yards on four catches. 
• Glen Jackson was Madonna's leading rusher with 27 yards.
• Tommy Larson had the Crusaders' lone sack as well as two tackles for loss.
• Dante Cardinali recorded two tackles for loss and six total tackles.
• Justin Smith led the defense with eight total tackles.

UP NEXT:

The Madonna University Crusaders will hit the road as they head to Indiana for the first of a two-game stretch in the Hoosier state. They are set to face the No. 4 Indiana Wesleyan University Wildcats on Saturday, October 14th at 1:00 pm.