LIVONIA, Mich. - Returning home after two games on the road, the Crusaders prepped to take on the No. 11 ranked Saint Xavier University (Ill.) Cougars. Despite losing the hard-fought battle against the Cougars, the highlight of the game were running backs Kwame Miller and Parker Heidt, who each set new school records. In just four games, Heidt has broken the rushing touchdowns record previously held by the Crusaders' all-time leader in scrimmage yards and touchdowns, D'Vonta Garrett. Miller, on the other hand, took the crown for most rushing yards in a season (233). With seven more games to play in the 2024 season, their historic season is only just beginning. While they were upended by the Cougars 55-13, the Crusaders have shown that they are starting to find their rhythm under head coach Brett Guminsky as they get ready to shift into conference play in October.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The visiting Cougars received the opening kick after the Crusaders deferred. Making the most out of their first possession, the Cougars drove down and scored to take an early 7-0 lead.

Despite the Cougars' explosive start, quarterback Taurean Singletary and the Crusaders' offense did not let it disrupt their confidence. Propelled by a 23-yard catch-and-run by receiver Emerson Combs, the Crusaders were set up in field goal range. Taking their opportunity to get on the board after a failed third-down conversion, kicker William Stoyanovich trotted out for the 28-yard attempt. Driving it between the uprights, Stoyanovich made it a 7-3 game, still early in the first quarter.

Just as it seemed like things were going the Crusaders' way, the Cougars returned the following kickoff 80-yards nearly to the Crusader goal line. Following this explosive return, they were able to make it a 14-3 game.

The Cougars were able to tack on a few more scores before halftime, taking a 31-3 lead going into the break.

In the third quarter, the Crusaders' offense would get back on track. After holding the Cougars to a field goal, Singletary came out firing. On the first play of the Crusaders' drive, Singletary aired out a deep pass to Imarion Kelly for 45 yards to get them rolling. A Cougar penalty would take them inside the ten-yard line. While they were unable to capitalize with a touchdown, they were able to get on the board with another field goal by Stoyanovich. Midway through the third quarter, the Crusaders got back on the board; 34-6.

After giving up a quick score to the Cougars, the Crusaders got another opportunity before the end of the quarter. After getting stuck in a 4th-and-2 situation, the Crusaders would convert with a 33-yard rush by running back Nah'shon Williams. A sloppy personal foul at the end of the huge momentum play, fifteen-yards were tacked on to take the Crusaders into the red zone. After getting down to the two-yard line, the Crusaders lined up in their jumbo formation with Heidt in the backfield. What has become a staple in the Crusaders' goal line offense, Heidt punched it in on a fullback dive for his fourth touchdown of the season, breaking the record previously held by D'Vonta Garrett. An extra point by Stoyanovich made it a 41-13 game.

The Cougars would tack on two more scores before the final buzzer, taking a 55-13 win over the Crusaders and demonstrating why they are a top-team in the nation.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Singletary was 18-of-31 passing for 182 yards and an interception. 
• Heidt scored his fourth rushing touchdown, setting school records for both career and single-season rushing touchdowns.
• Miller's 47 ground yards contributed to him setting a new school record for rushing touchdowns in just four games.
• Stoyanovich was 2/3 on field goal attempts (blocked) and 1/1 on extra-point attempts.
• Kelly recorded 102 yards receiving. 
• Williams rushed for 47 yards averaging 5.5 yards-per-carry.
• Tommy Larson recorded two tackles-for-loss and a sack, while also leading the team in total tackles.

UP NEXT:

The Crusaders will prepare to head back on the road, heading down to Indiana next week to face the University of Saint Francis (Ind.) Cougars. Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm next Saturday Sept. 28 from Fort Wayne.