Ryan McCabe ’28
Staff Writer
If you haven’t been following Holy Cross football, now’s your chance to catch up before the final three games of the 2024 season! After a roller-coaster journey up to this point, the Crusaders boast an impressive 3-0 record in the Patriot League. Holy Cross football has stood strong in conference play despite an overall 4-5 season. Under first-year Head Coach Dan Curran, the squad has continued to progress as the playoffs draw closer.
The Crusaders’ season began with stiff competition against non-conference opponents. Their opener against Rhode Island went down to the wire, ultimately ending in a narrow 20-17 loss. Next, they faced New Hampshire in another nail-biter, this time falling by a single point, 21-20.
Holy Cross earned its first victory in dominant fashion with a 43-22 win over Bryant. This game marked a turning point, giving the team a surge of confidence as they approached conference play. Head Coach Dan Curran’s adjustments, especially on the defensive end, became evident as Holy Cross delivered a well-rounded performance.
Once the Crusaders entered Patriot League play, their true potential began to shine. They opened the conference season with a decisive 38-7 victory over Colgate, highlighted by quarterback Joe Pesansky’s impressive showing, with nearly 300 passing yards and four touchdown connections with wide receiver Justin Shorter, who had a breakout game. Fordham was up next, and the Crusaders continued to impress, capturing the Ram-Crusader Cup for the eighth consecutive year in a tight 19-16 contest. Despite a slow start, the Crusaders came out of halftime firing, with Pesansky finding wide receiver Jacob Peterson for two touchdowns.
One of the most thrilling games of the season came in a narrow 35-34 loss to Harvard. In the final seconds, the Crusaders attempted a two-point conversion for the win but fell just short. They quickly regrouped, bouncing back with a 34-28 victory over Lafayette, secured by a nail-biting red-zone stop in the game’s final seconds, where the defense stepped up to make the difference.
The squad has thrived with key contributions from standout players on both offense and defense. Quarterback Joe Pesansky has led the offense with impressive precision, throwing for 1,941 yards and 16 touchdowns over nine games, while wide receiver Justin Shorter has been a reliable target, recording 399 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Filling in for injured star Jordan Fuller, running back Jayden Clerveaux has become an integral part of the offense, amassing 657 yards on 131 carries and scoring seven touchdowns. On the defensive side, senior captain and safety Curtis Harris-Lopez has been a crucial presence in the secondary, making game-changing plays. Defensive linemen Christian Ross and Kevin Gillis have consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks, with Ross recording 2.0 sacks for a 16-yard loss and Gillis adding 2.0 sacks. Linebacker Cam Santee has also been disruptive, recording 1.0 sack and forcing two fumbles.
As they approach the last three games, the Crusaders have an opportunity to make a lasting impact in the Patriot League. An undefeated 3-0 conference record places them in a prime position to contend for the league title, and if they can maintain their momentum, a postseason run is well within reach. With upcoming games against Lehigh, Bucknell, and Georgetown, Holy Cross will be looking to continue their unbeaten conference streak and possibly secure a playoff berth. Fans and followers should be ready for an exciting finish, as Holy Cross aims to cap off a memorable season with a Patriot League title and perhaps a chance to go even further.
Featured image courtesy of Holy Cross Athletics
Copy Edited by Charlotte Collins ’26
Web Edited by Zexuan Qu ’28
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