Reigning Sprint Football MSFL Champs handles Walsh in 2024 season opener

North Canton, OH – The reigning Midwest Sprint Football League Champions, Calumet College of St. Joseph, opened its season Saturday afternoon against Walsh University. Considering neither team had played in over 300 days, the contest started off slow. As the game went on, CCSJ's defense was able to exploit the Cavaliers offense and lead the Wave to a 27-6 victory. 

How it Happened

The game began with a rough start from both teams, going scoreless in the first quarter. The opening 15 minutes of action featured two punts, one fumble and a total of 77 yards.

It wasn't until the second quarter that the Crimson Wave (1-0) defense created some sort of momentum for either team. As Walsh's Zack Bowman dropped back to pass, Daymon Johnson read the play perfectly, going up high to snag his third interception of his career. He was able to return the pick to the Walsh 26-yard line, putting CCSJ in scoring position for the first time of the afternoon.

The next possession, Nino Barbosa connected with Stevie Salman for a 26-yard touchdown. CCSJ's defense wouldn't let up, forcing the Cavaliers to give the ball back to the offense in less than two minutes.

Before the half ended, the Wave capped a nine play, 65-yard drive with a Zaire Davis 10-yard rushing touchdown. Jeau Vinatieri made the extra point to give CCSJ a 13-0 lead heading into halftime.

Walsh (0-1) was able to respond early in the 3^rd quarter with a 65-yard touchdown, the largest completion of the game, to the cut margin down to a one-score game.

In the fourth quarter, the Crimson Wave were able to capitalize on good field position and score two more times in the redzone. Starting with the ball at the Walsh 8-yard line, Detrick Merriweather was able to make his way into the endzone after two rushing attempts. Jamall Warnell also rushed for a touchdown moments after a tough two-handed catch by Tre Simmons, completing a 33-yard play and igniting the crowd.

While the Wave finished the game with 258 yards of total offense and three touchdowns, it was the defense that controlled the pace the entire afternoon. Offensively, Walsh only managed to rush for 17 yards on 40 attempts and threw two interceptions. The Cavaliers also went 3-of-16 on third down and didn't convert any of its five fourth down opportunities.

Crimson Wave Leaders

Quarterback Nino Barbosa led the passing attack, going 11-of-21 for 162 yards and one touchdown. He also had nine rush attempts for 23 yards.

Stevie Salman had four receptions for 58 yards and one touchdown, while Dontaye Hamilton had three catches for 52 yards.

Jeremiah Contee had nine rushes for 28 yards, while Jamall Warnell had six carries for 20 yards and one touchdown. Detrick Merriweather also rushed for a three-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

Defensively, Tony Madrueno led all players with seven total tackles and three sacks. Alexander Dellachaie and Trevor Busse each had six tackles. Dellachaie, along with Josh Tejada, had two sacks a piece. Jared Cuevas Cottrell also recorded five tackles in the win.

Daymon Johnson and Anthony Stephenson both came down with interceptions.

Up Next

After their bye week, the Crimson Wave will host Quincy University on Saturday, September 28 at 5:00 p.m. CT.