St. Bonifacius, Minn. – Crown College hosted Carleton in their 2021 home opener, facing off against a second consecutive MIAC opponent to open the season. Despite a fast start for the home team, Carleton controlled the remaining three and half quarters en route to a 51-0 win.

The Storm got off to a promising start, recovering an onside kick to start the game and controlling possession for almost half the first quarter and marching to the Carleton five yard line before losing possession on downs.

Carleton was able to score on the ensuing nine play, 85 yard drive and then recovered their own pooch kick and orchestrated another first quarter touchdown drive to take a 13-0 lead. The Knights would score two more touchdowns in the second quarter and posted a big third quarter with 24 points before things quieted down for a 0-0 fourth quarter.

Jared Gilmore, who had a massive week one performance, and the Crown passing attack couldn't quite find their rhythm. Gilmore was 28-56 for 168 yards and an interception on a day in which Crown totaled just 116 yards of total offense and posted -52 rushing yards.

Cole Mistretta caught eight passes for 73 yards, while Josh Wallace led the team with nine grabs for 38 yards and Avory Caruthers hauled in seven passes for 26 yards.

Isaac Herron led the defense with seven solo tackles, while Quis Icon, Rudy Criner, and Noe Urrea each recorded a sack in the contest. Teris Watson and Caden Cross each had a pass breakup.

On special teams Criner recorded a 47 yard punt return and Ryan Swecker had the top kickoff return of 20 yards.

The Storm are back in action next Saturday as they take on Minnesota Morris in a homecoming non-conference contest. Kickoff is set for 1 pm.