Ben Paradis ’28
Staff Writer
The last time I wrote about the Holy Cross Crusaders’ football team, they had come off a tough loss to Syracuse; however, I mentioned the toughness and resiliency the team showed in that game. Three weeks later, it is clear that these traits have become cornerstones of Holy Cross’ identity as a team.
In week six, the Crusaders faced off against the Colgate Raiders. Early in the second quarter, Colgate led 7-3; however, these would be the last points the Raiders put on the board. Holy Cross unloaded their offensive and defensive arsenal for the rest of the game, smothering the Raiders. Quarterback Joe Pesansky and wide receiver Justin Shorter both had career days, connecting on four touchdowns. The Crusaders got creative in the final frame, lining up in the wildcat position. Wide receiver Max Mosey took the snap and scampered into the endzone for a 1-yard touchdown run. In a dominant performance, Holy Cross topped Colgate 38-7.
The following week, the Crusaders took on Patriot League rival Fordham, who were looking for their first win of the season. It was a defensive battle, with the score tied 13-13 late in the third quarter. Fordham creeped ahead with a field goal in the fourth quarter, but the Pesansky-Petersen connection struck again and the Holy Cross tight end hauled in a touchdown pass with six minutes remaining. That score proved the game-winner, as Holy Cross’ defense held firm, securing a 19-16 victory. Despite Pesansky’s 44% completion rate, running back Jayden Clerveaux kept the chains moving, rushing for 159 yards on 30 carries. This win was first-year head coach Dan Curran’s first at Fitton Field.
This past weekend, Holy Cross faced Ivy League opponent, Harvard. After an early tie, Harvard scored 20 unanswered points to lead 27-7 midway through the third quarter. But the Crusaders, as always, fought back. Finally awoken from their offensive slumber, an 84-yard touchdown pass to Max Mosey and two rushing touchdowns by Clerveaux put Holy Cross ahead 28-27 late in the fourth quarter. Harvard cashed in a quick touchdown and two-point conversion, leaving Holy Cross just 45 seconds to respond. Miraculously, Pesansky delivered once more, leading the Crusaders to a touchdown. Coach Curran boldly chose to go for a two-point conversion rather than the tie. Unfortunately, the Crusaders did not convert, losing by one.
Holy Cross’ 3-5 record does not capture the full story of this team. In every loss, they have shown immense grit. Even when a loss seems imminent, they have continued to make every game close. This team has a winning mentality, and it is only a matter of time before we see that reflected more frequently in the win column. Notably, all of Holy Cross’ losses have come in out-of-league play. Thus, with key victories against Colgate and Fordham, Holy Cross sits atop the Patriot League. With Lafayette, Lehigh, and Bucknell on the horizon, continuing to dominate Patriot League play will be crucial for the Crusaders.
The Crusaders return to Patriot League play this weekend as they take on the reigning Patriot League champion Lafayette Leopards on Saturday, October 26 at 1:30 pm in Easton, Pa. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Featured image courtesy of Holy Cross Athletics
Copy Edited by Annamaria DeCamp ’27
Web Edited by Zexuan Qu ’28
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