Carlton Crusaders receiver Gage Prodaehl and Walter Murray Marauders defensive back Wyatt Cameron battle for a jump ball. Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff

By Jeff D’Andrea

Crusaders high school football

Crusaders meet their match against Walter Murray, but tons of spirit late in the game

Sep 30, 2021 | 9:07 PM

After two impressive wins to start the season, the Carlton Crusaders senior football team met their match in their third game as they fell 45-27 to the Walter Murray Marauders Thursday at Max Clunie Field.

The Crusaders’ offence, which scored at will and marched down the field in their two victories this season, looked out of sorts to start the game.

After the Marauders’ opening kickoff was boomed over everybody’s head, the Crusaders got the ball at their own four-yard line to start the game. Their first play was a pitch that ended up hitting the bottom of the upright and was recovered by Marauders defensive lineman Ryan Murphy in the endzone for a touchdown.

It didn’t get much better from there, as the Crusaders were only able to manage one first down in their first six drives. That also includes a two-and-out that resulted in a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown, and a pair of intentional safeties. The Crusaders were down 31-0 as time ticked down in the second quarter.

But Crusaders’ Scott Adamko gave his side a much-needed spark at the end of the half. Adamko intercepted a pass and returned it to the 37-yard line. That set the table for the offence, at the Smith-Windsor connection clicked in with quarterback Sullivan finding running back Tazmin in the endzone on a quick pass. The Crusaders trailed 31-6 at the half as a result.

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The Crusaders came out a completely different team in the second half, as their offence started to find their rhythm, their defence tightened up and their special teams became even more special. Sullivan Smith-Windsor punched in a quarterback keeper in the fourth quarter, and he later found Gage Prodaehl for a pair of touchdowns in the final minute as the Crusaders scored 21 of their 27 points in the second half.

The Marauders were also able to find the endzone two more times for the 45-27 final score.

Both teams are now 2-1 to start the year.

The next game for the Crusaders will be the crosstown Canadian Tire Classic showdown against the St. Mary Maruaders (2-1) at Max Clunie Field on Oct. 8. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW