ADRIAN, Mich. -- The Siena Heights football team rolled to a 65-0 win over first-year program Madonna in O'Laughlin Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The final point total for the Saints set a new program record for points scored in a game. Eric Williams was dominant at wideout as he totaled 116 yards on five catches and three touchdowns.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Siena Heights 65, Madonna 0
Location: Adrian, Michigan (O'Laughlin Stadium)
Records: Siena Heights (2-2), Madonna (0-2)
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Crusader defense hung tough in the game's opening drive as they held Siena scoreless after a big stop on 4th and goal from the one-yard line to gain the ball on downs. Three plays later, a holding penalty in the endzone resulted in a safety for a 2-0 lead for SHU.
The Saints would then score on the next six drives to take a 44-0 lead into the locker room at the half. The first drive in the third quarter for Siena was a turnover on downs deep in Madonna territory before scoring on the next two drives to increase the lead to 58-0. The final score came on a 16-yard run by Jamon Benson II that pushed the lead to the final position.
TOP SAINTS
Offense
• Tyler Knecht was 12-13 through the air for 205 yards and three touchdown passes.
• Benson II led on the ground with 13 carries for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
• Jared Jordan totaled 82 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown.
Defense
• Reigning MSFA MEL Defensive Player of the Week, Kole Murlin, led the Saints with 12 tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss in the game.
• Hayden Sluder finished with six tackles.
• Andrew Loria recorded five tackles, half a sack, and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Special Teams
• Anthony Secchi was a perfect 6-6 in extra-point tries.
• Caleb Meister punted once for 40 yards, pinning Madonna inside the 20-yard line in that attempt.
THE OPPOSITION
Offense
• Max Morris was 5-8 passing for 20 yards to lead Madonna.
• Christian Gaiera had 10 carries for 13 yards.
Defense
• Mike Gaiera led the Crusaders with 11 tackles.
• Carl Ware had seven tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss.
UP NEXT
The Saints hit the road next week to face nationally-ranked Marian on Saturday, March 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
