DULUTH, Minn. --- Crown Football was up in Duluth under the lights on Saturday, and despite a tough opening 19 minutes, the team came back remarkably, almost completing a 23-point comeback that came just 38 yards short on the final drive in the late fourth quarter as the Storm fell to the St. Scholastica Saints 35-32.
After St. Scholastica started their opening drive with a touchdown, first-year linebacker Junior Doe returned the extra point back for a two-point conversion after senior defensive back Sebastian Alvarado blocked the kick (Crown's all-time leader in blocked kicks). The Storm responded with a 12-play, 61-yard drive that resulted in a 28-yard field goal by junior Corey Huard. Crown then trailed by the unorthodox score 5-6.
After several possessions traded by both teams, the Saints went on a run with several touchdowns and a lead of 28-5. However, the Storm never showed any quit. Sophomore running back Avory Caruthers dashed for 26 yards, and with a penalty, suddenly the Storm were in striking distance. Sophomore quarterback Jared Gilmore hit first-year receiver Janaire Smith for a ten-yard touchdown, their second connection in as many games. Crown entered the break down 28-11.
In the beginning of the third quarter, Caruthers had another huge play as he ran for a 68-yard touchdown. The Saints responded again with a score, but left the door open for a Crown comeback in the fourth quarter.
In the fourth, the Storm took a drive that lasted over six minutes into the end zone as Gilmore found Smith once again for six. After quickly ending a St. Scholastica drive, Crown embarked on another 50-yard touchdown drive that only took three minutes when Gilmore found Smith for the third time in the end zone.
The Storm then forced a Saints punt and had the ball downed on their own one-yard line, with only 1:18 left on the clock. Crown drove down the field, but unfortunately ran out of downs in St. Scholastica territory with 18 seconds left, coming just a bit short 35-32.
Sophomore quarterback Jared Gilmore led the team in passing with 216 yards through the air, as he threw for three touchdowns and no interceptions with a 122.1 QBR. Running back Avory Caruthers was the leading rusher in the contest, with 178 yards on the ground and one touchdown run, his second straight week with over 150 yards. First-year receiver Cole Mistretta led the team in receptions with eight catches for 93 yards.
Defensively, sophomore Quis Icon led the team in tackles with nine, three of which were behind the line of scrimmage. Icon and junior Micah Moyer both recorded sacks in the contest, crucial to keeping the Storm in the game. Junior Jesse Synoground had an interception in the contest, the first of his collegiate career. Joe Duffy, Corrin Moses, and Cody Ricketts all broke up a pass in the contest.
On special teams, punter Janaire Smith locked down three kicks within the Saints' 20-yard line in an impressive performance that helped keep St. Scholastica out of scoring distance.
The Storm were within range, and narrowly missed on a few opportunities, with a big screen pass touchdown called back due to holding, a missed field goal, and a muffed punt deep in their own territory.
Crown led the Saints 27-20 in first downs, 162-24 in rushing yards (once again showing off their stout run defense), and 378-255 in total offense. The Storm led the Saints by nearly double in time of possession, 39 minutes to 21 minutes.
Crown Football next heads to Roseville, Minnesota for a matchup with the Northwestern Eagles under the lights as the Storm look to even up their record at two apiece.
