St. Bonifacius, Minn. – Homecoming this year was larger than usual, as Crown celebrates its 100th anniversary. The last four matchups against Morris have been incredibly close, with no game won by more than four points the last four years, each team winning twice. While Crown reflects on its storied history, history did not repeat itself on Saturday night as Crown ends the series of close games with the University of Minnesota-Morris, winning 27-17.

The scoring started for Crown in the second quarter, on a senior Jacob Pardee (Ekalaka, Mont./Carter County) two-yard score after a fumble recovery by senior Jalen Phoenix (Cincinatti, Ohio/Landmark Christian) gave the Storm a short field. It was the only touchdown in the first half by either team; Crown led 7-3 going into halftime. 

After Morris couldn't complete a fourth and three conversion attempt failed, Crown was able to capitalize on a 3-yard rushing touchdown by junior quarterback Ryan Synoground (Austin, Minn./Austin). 

In the beginning of the fourth quarter, Crown went on a seven play, 73-yard drive ending with a 5-yard touchdown by senior Matt Michaud (Woodbury, Minn./New Life Academy). Michaud was unstoppable on that drive, as he had 58 of the 73 yards on the drive.  

Crown then forced a four and out by Morris, where Michaud had all 27 yards on the drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown; after that drive, Crown led 27-9. Crown allowed a late score to Morris, causing the final score to be 27-17.

Led by Michaud and Synoground, Crown's rushing game had a great game, with 242 yards averaging 4.9 yards a carry. On the other side of the ball, sophomore Jake Nohr (Merrill, Wis./Merrill) led the defense with 12 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. 

Crown plays next week at KleinBank Stadium, facing Eureka College at noon.