LIVONIA, Mich. - The Madonna University Crusaders returned to Churchill High School today for their Homecoming matchup against the Saint Francis University (Ind.) Cougars. While the Crusaders got off to a hot start, the Cougars would get the better of them in the end, as they closed out Madonna 44-9.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

In the days leading up to the heavily anticipated matchup between the Crusaders and the Cougars, Madonna University celebrated their return home with several on-campus events including a pep rally this past Thursday, September 28th. The hype brought out the best in Crusader Nation as the stands were packed to the brim for the 2:00 pm kickoff.

Madonna received the ball to start the game, leading off with a six-play drive before Darren Francis was called on to punt. However, despite the offense getting stopped to start the game, the defense came out firing. Kelvin Lileton Jr opened things up as he snagged an interception off of Cougar quarterback Grant Gremel, taking it back to midfield. While what started as a great drive for the Crusaders stalled out due to a costly fumble, the Crusader defense forced a three-and-out on the next possession, holding the Cougars to negative yards. With the ball back in the hands of their offense, the Crusaders then struck first as Francis knocked down a 42-yard field goal. Crusaders led 3-0 to start the second quarter of play.

After a two-drive stalemate, Saint Francis finally struck back with a touchdown to take the lead. On the next possession for the Crusaders, Josh DePaulis would be picked off and the Cougars would take it all the way back for the score. Flipping the script in just a few plays, the Cougars now led 14-3. The Cougars would manage to get off a field goal in the final seconds of the half, going into the break with a 17-3 lead over the Crusaders.

The Crusaders came out of halftime sluggish, as the Cougars tacked on two more scores to make it a 31-3 game. Midway through the third, the Crusaders' offense would finally find their rhythm. Max Morris relieved DePaulis at quarterback, coming in and delivering a 35-yard strike to redshirt freshman receiver Emerson Combs for the score. The Crusaders answered with the score now 31-9. 

Despite Morris' attempt to rally the offense back, it would not be enough to lead a late-game comeback. The Cougars would tack on two more scores as they went on to win 44-9.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
 

• Morris went 6-of-15 passing for 60 yards with one touchdown pass.
• Quarterback Arthur Brantley led the team in rushing with 34 yards.
• Combs had a career game with three receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.
• D'Vonta Garrett brought in four catches for 63 yards.
• Linebacker Dante Cardinali once again led the Crusaders in tackles with seven solo.
• Defensive end Bobby Martin led the team with two tackles for loss.
• Defensive end Tommy Larson and defensive tackle Colt Oyervidez each recorded a sack.
• Will Fennema II and linebacker Michael Momoh each recorded a tackle for loss.
• Francis pinned three punts inside the Cougar 20-yard line with a long of 54 yards on the day.

UP NEXT:

The Crusaders will stay at home next week as they face the No. 5 Marian University (Ind.) Knights at Churchill High School. They are set to kickoff at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 7th.