Defending champion Crimson Wave shutout Hawks in 2025 season opener

Quincy, IL – The back-to-back reigning Midwest Sprint Football League champions, Calumet College of St. Joseph, opened its season Saturday afternoon with a 18-0 shutout win over Quincy at QU Stadium.

How it Happened 

On the first play from scrimmage, Quincy fumbled the ball and CCSJ recovered, leading them to start their first offensive drive of the game sooner than they anticipated.

They were able to march down field and get within scoring position but couldn't covert after four tries at the goal line.

On the next offensive possession, the Wave were able to cap an 11-play drive with a Jeau Vinatieri record-setting field goal. Vinatieri's 48-yard field goal with 51 seconds remaining in the first quarter is the longest field goal made in MSFL history and the first points of the season for the two-time defending champs. 

In the second quarter the defense held strong, holding off the Hawks at the goal line. Trevor Busse was involved in two tackles at the one-yard line and Britten Dillon came away with a big tackle on 4^th and goal. 

Within the final two minutes of the first half, Destry Peoples had two rushes for 15 yards before completing a screen pass to Jamall Warnell that ended up being the Wave's first touchdown. 

In the third quarter CCSJ continued to control the tempo. Big carries out of the backfield from Zayne Guthrie, picking up 40 yards in two plays and Warnell rushing for 17 yards the following play. On 1^st and goal, Nino Barbosa was able to squeeze in and score the two-yard rushing touchdown. 

Final touches with a Vinatieri 35-yard field goal in the fourth quarter and Wave had the game won 18-0. 

CCSJ held Quincy to eight first downs and a total of 173 yards on offense. The Wave outpaced the Hawks on the ground 264 to 51. That allowed CCSJ to control the time of possession as they nearly had the ball at least 27 more minutes than Quincy. 

Crimson Wave Leaders 

Quarterback Destry Peoples led the passing attack, going 6-of-16 for 64 yards and one touchdown.

Jamall Warnell had one reception for 37 yards and a touchdown, while Nino Barbosa had three receptions for 16 yards. Freshman Kato Keohaname also came away with his first two catches of his collegiate career.

Kaydarious Jones had seven rushes for 105 yards and Zayne Guthrie had four carries for 46 yards. Nino Barbosa came with 25 yards on the ground and a touchdown as well.

Defensively, Trevor Busse led all players with 11 total tackles and now has over 200 tackles in his collegiate career. Joshua Tejeda had six tackles and Jared Cuevas Cottrell had five tackles and an interception.

Kicker Jeau Vinatieri went 2-of-2 on field goal attempts.

Up Next

The Crimson Wave will host Oakland City in their home opener on Saturday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m. CT.