The Spire

Billy Holmes ‘25

Staff Writer

On Saturday, September 14, the Holy Cross Crusaders’ Football team secured their first win of the 2024 season over the Bryant University Bulldogs. The Crusaders prevailed 43-22 in Smithfield, RI. After opening the season with losses to Rhode Island and New Hampshire, the Crusaders avoided an 0-3 start with their victory over Bryant and improved to 1-2 on the season. 

The Crusaders’ first victory of the 2024 campaign also marked first year head coach Dan Curran’s first victory at Holy Cross. Curran succeeded former head coach, Bob Chesney, who departed from the Holy Cross football program to become the head coach of James Madison. Under Chesney, the Crusaders won five consecutive Patriot League titles from 2019-2023 which included an undefeated regular season in 2022. 

Although Coach Curran has some hefty shoes to fill based on Chesney’s successes here, this weekend’s win against Bryant demonstrated both the team’s ability and potential. 

After giving up a field goal to start the game, Holy Cross immediately came back in a massive way when senior safety and team captain Curtis Harris-Lopez fielded a 90 yard kickoff return to the house for a touchdown. 

Following Harris-Lopez’s touchdown return, the Bulldogs scored two consecutive touchdowns to seize the momentum and lead 16-7 at the conclusion of the first quarter. 

The Crusaders answered back in the second quarter on a drive capped off with a rushing touchdown from senior running back Jordan Fuller. Fuller, a member of the 2023 Patriot League first team, gained 294 yards from scrimmage through the first three games this season and his strong play will be critical if the Crusaders wish to keep their positive momentum going for the rest of the season. 

With less than a minute remaining in the first half, Holy Cross senior quarterback Joe Pesansky threw a 30 yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Max Mosey which put the Crusaders ahead 21-16 at the half. This marked Mosey’s first reception touchdown of his Holy Cross career after he transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver last season. 

In the third quarter, Crusader sophomore safety Chisom Onwuzurigbo came up with an interception to end Bryant’s first drive of the second half. After marching 55 yards down the field, Holy Cross added to their lead after Jordan Fuller punched in his second rushing touchdown of the game. 

Throughout the middle of the third quarter, both offenses began to stall out a little until Holy Cross boosted their lead after sophomore running back, Jayden Clerveaux scored the first touchdown of his collegiate career with an eight yard rushing touchdown. Clerveaux ended the game with 15 rushes for 104 yards to go along with the touchdown. He definitely looks like a player to watch out for as the season continues. 

Near the beginning of the fourth quarter, Bryant responded with a passing touchdown, but still trailed 35-22. With less than four minutes remaining in the game, Pesanksy ran the ball into the endzone from eight yards out to effectively conclude the game.

Pesanksy finished the day 11/14 through the air for 200 yards and a touchdown pass along with 23 yards on the ground and a rushing score. On the ground, Fuller and Clerveaux tallied a combined 142 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Mosey led Holy Cross with 67 reception yards. 

On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Frankie Monte recorded nine tackles and one tackle for a loss for Holy Cross. The Crusaders aim to build off this victory this Saturday, September 21, Family Weekend, when they take on the Yale Bulldogs at 2 p.m. on Fitton Field. 

Copy Edited by Lauren Backstrom ’27