St. Bonifacius, Minn. – The Crown football team claimed their first victory of the season on Saturday, defeating the visiting Martin Luther College Knights by a final score of 43-33 in a game that featured 942 yards of total offense by the two teams.

Crown won the toss and elected to receive, breaking from their normal protocol of deferring to the second half.  Offensive coordinator Adam Hayes cued up a play-action pass on the team's first play from scrimmage and quarterback Brandon McCormick found Trey Peace over the top for a 64 yard touchdown.

Despite the early shock, the Knights answered right back, embarking on an 11-play, 73 yard scoring drive.  With both team's missing their extra points, the score stood at 6-6.

On Crown's next offensive play, their second of the game, Matt Michaud raced 64 yards for another Crown touchdown, with Terrell Thomas knocking the extra point through to give Crown the 13-6 lead. 

After an MLC punt, Crown drove 64 yards, this time in seven plays, capping things off with a 20 yard touchdown strike from McCormick to Thomas.

Crown would eventually run out to a 31-6 lead after a pair of TD runs by Josh Edlund, and aided greatly by a courageous fourth and goal stop on the last play of the half.  Despite the deficit, Martin Luther would not quit, getting a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter to draw the score back to 31-20.

Crown looked like they would cruise to the victory, however, when Edlund added his third rushing touchdown of the afternoon on the last play of the third quarter.

True to form, the Knights wouldn't lay down, scoring 14 points in less than two minutes as quarterback Matt Olson began to find a rhythm and the Storm gifted the visitors great field possession after a fumbled exchange.

With the score at 37-33, Crown took control with 9:44 remaining in the game at their own 34 yard line. 

Needing a big drive, Crown turned to Edlund, who carried five consecutive times for 35 yards and two first downs.  After a Michaud plunge, Edlund picked up four on a huge fourth and two play, keeping the chains moving, and the clock running.

Three more runs set up a fourth and four play at the Martin Luther 19 yard line with 2:32 to play.  After a timeout, McCormick found Peace for an eight yard gain and first down.

Michaud took the next carry in to the end zone for his second score of the game and Crown would hold on for the ten point victory.

Michaud finished with 132 yards on the ground and a pair of scores, while Edlund added 114 yards rushing and three touchdowns.  McCormick went 10-13 in an efficient performance, totaling 163 yards and two scores.  Peace had three catches for 88 yards and the opening touchdown to lead Crown's receiving corps.

The Crown defense faced 78 plays, giving up 491 yards to the Knights who got 236 yards passing and 86 yards on the ground from Olson, with Tim Keller carrying for 107 yards. 

The defensive line was busy against the option attack of MLC, with Tyler Byrd leading the way with 12 stops and Brian Howard getting in on 10 tackles.  Everett Hawk had eight tackles and a sack, and Jalen Phoenix had a big day from his linebacker spot, getting nine tackles and breaking up a pair of passes.

The Storm will remain at home next week where they will face off with St. Scholastica for Homecoming, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.