INDIANAPOLIS - The Marian football team broke the record book multiple times over as they kicked off their 2022 season Saturday afternoon, shutting out Madonna 86-0 in their conference opening win.

The Knights got off to a blazing start in their season opener, as the defense forced a quick three and out. After the punt the offense took advantage of great field position, marching down the field in four plays with Zach Bundalo capping off the 42-yard series with a touchdown strike to Ben Stevens. Stevens soon found paydirt again, picking up a punt after another defensive stop, taking the kick to the house for a 48-yard score.

Marian's defense continued to produce stops in the opening quarter, getting an interception from Adrian Cuevas which would set up a Baron Huebler touchdown, while another three and out paved the path for a Christian Hunter touchdown run. Leading 28-0 with over five minutes to play in the first quarter, Marian stayed aggressive forcing a safety on a bobbled punt snap, while Huebler scampered in for a one yard score after the free kick. The Knights' scoring barrage resulted in 37 points in the first quarter, which set a single quarter scoring record, while the defense held the Crusaders to -7 yards from scrimmage.

Continuing the onslaught in the second quarter, the Knights took their first possession of the period and found the end zone for the sixth time, with Bundalo dropping a 40-yard touchdown to Jacob Pressler. Marian's reserves began to flood the field and kept the momentum flowing after Pressler's score, as the defense forced a pair of punts unleashing William Gibson. The third Marian running back to take the field took advantage of his opportunity, rushing for 146 yards on 13 carries in the quarter, resulting in his first pair of touchdowns in his career. Gibson's touchdown runs gave Marian a 58-0 lead at halftime, setting the record for most points scored in a half.

After halftime Marian emptied the bench, giving their young players valuable minutes in the final 30 minutes. The offense scored on each of their first two drives, with Tristan Polk finding Brandon Price for a 20-yard touchdown, while Keagan La Belle scored on a 48-yard touchdown run to drive the score to 72-0. The defense continued to force punts as the likes of Alex Griffith, Alex Money, and Parker Allman shutting down the Madonna offense.

The fireworks for the Knights finished in the fourth quarter, as Jack Henninger threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Zarik Chmielewski as the pair hooked up for their first collegiate scores, and on the next defensive series Andy Myers jumped an out route and recorded a 51-yard pick-six, putting a stamp on the 86-0 blowout. 

For the game, Marian out-gained Madonna 589 to 44, with the Knights picking up 411 yards on the ground. Gibson's 146 yards led the team, while La Belle rushed for 83. Hunter and Huebler combined for 111 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries, and freshman Gideon Brimmage ran for 37. The quarterbacks combined for 178 passing yards, with Bundalo's 107 leading the way. Pressler led the receivers with 67 yards.

The defense pitched their second shutout under Tyler Stinn's leadership, recording nine sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Danny Lewis led the defense with 3.5 tackles, while Peyton Trexler and Tyler Majors each had four total stops. Allman and Money led the team with 1.5 sacks each, while Cuevas and Myers each recorded their first career interceptions. Marian's 86-0 win is the largest margin of victory in school history, and the most points scored in a single game. 110 players saw action for the Knights Saturday afternoon, the most to see a snap for Marian in a single game.

Marian will take an early bye week, and return to play on September 17 when they host St. Francis (Ill.) at 6:05 p.m. A fireworks display will be held after the game for the fans. 

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