ST. BONIFACIUS, Minn. — There were a lot of firsts this opening night for the Storm;
Eric Shourds first game as Defensive Coordinator, first-year quarterback
Jared Gilmore's first collegiate start, and first-year wideout
Domonquie Guy's first touchdown to name a few. However, they weren't able to start out the season with a win, falling to St. Olaf 14-49.
Crown struggled to find a rhythm in the first half, allowing 35 points by halftime as both the offense and defense couldn't get into a groove. However, in the second half, Crown was able to score twice and pick up the offensive pace, even outscoring Olaf in the fourth quarter along with holding the MIAC school to only a couple scores of their own.
Crown's first touchdown was set up by a remarkable catch by junior wideout
David McIntosh, who caught the ball and remained in possession for a 30-yard gain, despite a declined pass interference call against him. Crown scored two plays later as first-year QB Gilmore found junior receiver
George Green for a five-yard score. The Storm then forced a three-in-out where St. Olaf lost 33 yards thanks in part from a 12-yard sack by junior defensive lineman
Dan Clipperton that nearly forced a safety. Crown took advantage of a short field and an excellent return by
Sebastian Alvarado, scoring on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Gilmore to the first-year receiver Guy to cap a quick three-play drive.
Unfortunately, the two late scores weren't enough for the Storm. All three first-year quarterbacks had some time throwing the ball, with both
Michael Gross and
Devin Westbrook coming in late.
Crown's sophomore linebacker
Jeremiah Jones led the team with eleven tackles in the game. Junior
Hunter Orozco was close behind with ten of his own. Nine players recorded at least a half tackle for a loss, led by
Joe Duffy and
Sebastian Alvarado with 1.5 each. Defensive back
Colbe Robertson had two passes deflected in the game, a team high. Senior
Tyler Byrd had Crown's lone QB Hurry.
Crown heads on the road for a matchup with Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota next Saturday.
