Box Score LIVONIA, Mich. - The Lawrence Technological University football team extended its historic dominance over Madonna University on Saturday afternoon, securing a decisive 41–14 victory in Farmington Hills to maintain an undefeated all-time record against the Crusaders in the Battle of I-96. Since the rivalry kicked off in 2021, the Blue Devils have never lost to Madonna, and Saturday's performance kept that streak intact as LTU improved to 4–5 overall and 1–2 in MSFA Mid-East play.
LTU set the tone early when Ryan Schuster connected with Joey Pitsch for a six-yard touchdown in the opening quarter to cap off an eight-play, 51-yard drive. Schuster remained dialed in during the second quarter, throwing touchdown passes of 11 yards to Tyler Garrett and 29 yards to Owen Pittenger to build a 20–0 lead. Madonna got on the board late in the half with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Connor Greif to JoJo Brothers, making it 20–7 at the break.
The Blue Devils reasserted control in the second half, relying on their ground attack and stifling defense. Schuster added a five-yard rushing score in the third quarter, and after Madonna cut the margin to 27–14, Schuster put the game out of reach in the fourth with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Charlie Ward followed by a four-yard touchdown run.
Schuster finished with a banner day, accounting for six total touchdowns—passing for 251 yards and four scores while rushing for 66 yards and two more touchdowns on the ground. Garrett provided big plays through the air, catching six passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, while Pittenger hauled in five receptions for 66 yards and a score. Lance Gailliard Jr. added balance to the offense with 62 rushing yards on 22 carries.
Defensively, LTU held Madonna to just 184 total yards and forced two turnovers. Jake DiFalco recorded seven tackles and a sack, Karter Schmitt and Declyn Keller added five tackles and a sack each, and DeOndrae Burns intercepted a pass and returned it 39 yards to highlight a strong defensive unit. Madonna was led by Greif, who threw for 124 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score.
Lawrence Tech will look to build on the momentum next week as they return home to host Defiance College at the Don Ridler Fieldhouse on Saturday, November 7.
