ADRIAN – The Siena Heights Saints improved to 2-2 on the season with a win over Judson (Ill.) on Saturday, winning by the score of 61-24.
Siena Heights controlled the game from stem to stern, racing out to a 30-0 lead at the half and a 37-point lead before Judson was able to find the scoreboard in the dominant performance.
So, What Happened?
Siena Heights was just plain ole dominant from the opening kickoff, out gaining Judson 594-277 in total offense, including 383-223 through the air and 211-54 on the ground.
The scoring started early for the Saints who took their opening drive 65 yards in four plays, scoring on a 36-yard touchdown pass from Braylen Himmele to Tendaji Alexander to make it 6-0 with 11:08 left in the first quarter.
Siena Heights went to the air again for their second score as Himmele found Credell Prather for a 48-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 13-0 with 8:10 left in the first quarter.
The Saints went to the ground for their next score as Brendan Haisenl found his way in from 9-yards out, which was followed by a 39-yard field goal from Carter Ball, giving Siena Heights a 23-0 lead with 7:38 left in the first quarter.
The scoring onslaught continued for Siena Heights as Himmele found Prather for their second scoring connection, this time from 6-yards out, which was followed by a Haisenl 4-yard touchdown run, extending the Saints lead to 37-0 just minutes into the third quarter.
It was finally Judson’s turn to get on the board as an Oscar Ortiz 27-yard field goal was followed by a long pass play for a score, closing the score to 37-10 with 2:27 left in the third.
Siena Heights answered back with a field goal from Ball, this time from 23-yards out, which was quickly followed by a huge play for the Saints as Elijah Taylor found Henry Carstarpher for a 71-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 47-10 with 12:24 left in the game.
Judson got back on the board with another pass play, only to see Siena Heights playmaker D.J. Young show his electric stuff, returning the ensuing kickoff 77-yards for a touchdown, keeping Siena Heights lead at 54-17.
Siena Heights final score came on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Taylor to Rashaad Dorsey while Judson’s final score came on a 24-yard touchdown run, finding the final score of 61-24.
Top Performances
Braylen Himmelein, QB, Siena Heights – Himmelein finished 15 of 23 passing for 274 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
Elijah Taylor, QB, Siena Heights – Taylor came in to play for Himmelein late in the contest and put up some big numbers for the Saints, finishing 4 for 5 for 109 yards and two scores.
Brendan Haisenleder, RB, Siena Heights – Led the team in rushing, carrying the ball 12 times for 81 yards and two touchdowns.
Also rushing well for Siena Heights was Isaac Sexton with 7 carries for 74 yards
Tendaji Alexander, WR, Siena Heights – Alexander led the Saints in receiving yards, hauling in six catches for 101 yards and one score.
Credell Prather, WR, Siena Heights – Pulled in two catches for 54 yards and two touchdowns
Henry Carstarphen III, WR, Siena Heights – Had only one catch but what a big one, hauling in a 71-yard touchdown strike.
D.J. Young, Ath., Siena Heights – Had three kick returns for 120 yards total, including a 77-yard kick return for a touchdown
Clarke Hamilton, LB, Siena Heights – Led the team with six total tackles, including one for a loss and a sack
Jalen Edward, LB, Siena Heights – Have five tackles including one and a half for a loss and one and a half sacks
Also notching sacks for Siena Heights was Greg Predina (.5 sacks) as well as A.J. Knox, Joshua Mack, Cameron McCreary, and Noah Gradeless (1 sack each). Mack also had one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
What’s Next?
With the win Siena Heights improves to 2-2 overall on the season and 2-0 at home. The Saints will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Saint Xavier (IL) for a 12 p.m. game.