Madonna University football marked its first game at The Hawk in Farmington Hills with a 77-14 victory over Judson University, delivering the program's second all-time win and a standout performance on both offense and defense
Madonna University football wasted no time making a statement at its new home field, The Hawk, in Farmington Hills. In their first-ever game at the venue, the Crusaders overpowered Judson University 77-14, notching the program's second win and setting a new high-water mark for offensive output.
The lopsided score was built on a relentless combination of defensive takeaways and explosive plays. Madonna's defense returned three interceptions for touchdowns, while the offense piled up points through the air and on the ground. By halftime, the Crusaders had already secured a 42-0 lead, leaving little doubt about the outcome.
Defensive Dominance and Fast Start
Madonna's defense set the tone early, with Colin Tola intercepting a pass and returning it 35 yards for a touchdown just minutes into the first quarter. Christopher Coates followed with a 34-yard interception return for another score, and Andres Rugel added a 20-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter. The Crusaders held Judson scoreless for more than three quarters, consistently pressuring the Eagles' offense and forcing mistakes.
On offense, Demetrick Welch capped a five-play, 50-yard drive with a 16-yard rushing touchdown, while Brock Culpepper powered in from six yards out. Quarterback Kolter Smith connected with Eric Thomas, Hassan Bazzi, and Micale McClure for touchdown passes, and backup Connor Greif found Kamren Wilkerson for a 78-yard strike. Smith finished with 250 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Greif added 104 yards and two scores on just five attempts.
Historic Night at The Hawk
The 77 points scored by Madonna set a new program record and provided a memorable debut for The Hawk. The win was only the second in the young football program's history, underscoring the significance of the night for players, coaches, and fans. Kwame Miller led the Crusaders' ground game with 50 rushing yards, and Welch contributed 33 yards and a touchdown. The team's balanced attack and opportunistic defense left Judson with few answers throughout the contest.
Judson managed to break through late in the third quarter with a six-yard touchdown run by Jace Velasquez, but Madonna responded immediately, maintaining control until the final whistle. The Crusaders added three more touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a 30-yard pass from Smith to Antonio Sobush and another Greif-to-Bazzi connection.
What Comes Next
Madonna University will look to build on this momentum when the team travels to Bluffton, Ohio, to face Bluffton University at Alumni Field on Saturday, September 12, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 PM. The program's rapid progress stands in contrast to the challenges faced by other Michigan institutions, as reported earlier in statewide coverage of policy and institutional change.
Madonna's football program, still in its early years, has now delivered a performance that will be remembered by the Farmington Hills community and the university's supporters. The opening of The Hawk is more than a ceremonial milestone-it is a tangible sign that Madonna is investing in its athletic future and creating new traditions for students and alumni. The decisive win over Judson signals that the Crusaders are not content to simply participate; they intend to compete and make their presence felt in every game at their new home.
