Nicholas Miano ‘27
Staff Writer
This past Saturday, Oct. 24, the Holy Cross Crusaders hosted the Bucknell Bison at Fitton Field for Homecoming weekend. Students, alumni, family members, and fans gathered to celebrate the annual tradition, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere throughout the day. More than 250 former players and their families returned to campus. In addition to this, members of the 1986, 1991, and 2021 Holy Cross Football teams were honored at the game in recognition of their Patriot League championship seasons. This game also marked the Crusaders’ first home game in a little over a month, further adding to the excitement in the air.
The Crusaders lived up to the weekend hype and delivered a stellar performance. The Bison started the game with possession and marched down the field. The Crusaders employed “bend don’t break defense”, forcing Bison kicker Juan Garanton to kick a 28-yard field goal for 3 points. These would be the only points Bucknell would see that day. The Crusaders responded quickly with running back Joseph Williams ’29 running for a 47-yard touchdown. On defense, senior captain Chism Onwuzurigbo ’27 intercepted a pass and ran it back for a 36-yard touchdown, ending the first quarter 13-3 for Holy Cross. Crusaders’ quarterback David Lynch ’27 connected with Ty Curran ’28 for a 35-yard touchdown pass, extending Holy Cross’ lead to 20-3 at halftime. Momentum continued to favor the Crusaders in the second half. Ty Curran ’28 scored again for an 8-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 27-3. Defensive players Chism Onquzurigbo ’27 and Adam Due ’27 held the Bison offense, forcing several three-and-outs and ending their chances of coming back. In the fourth quarter, running back Jake Croce ’29 scored a 25-yard touchdown, ending the homecoming game in a 34-3 victory for Holy Cross.
Several Crusaders on both sides of the ball contributed to this impressive Homecoming victory. On the offense, running back Joseph Williams ’29 was awarded the Turco Award as Homecoming MVP for his performance. He scored one touchdown and 144 total rushing yards, with an average of eight yards per carry. Datrell Jones ‘28 and Jake Croce ’29 were also notable contributors to the 272 total rushing yards by the Crusaders compared to the Bison’s 84 rushing yards. The passing game was dominated by Ty Curran ’28, who had six receptions and two touchdowns. David Lynch ’27 threw for a total of 110 yards, and more importantly, threw two key touchdown passes. The Defense had arguably the best performance of their season. Chism Onwuzurigbo ’27, Tyler Georgs ’29 and Traven Chardonet ’30 forced 3 interceptions. Adam Due ’27 was another key defensive playmaker, having a team-high 11 tackles against Bucknell. Carlo Corcetti ’27 also had a key sack in the second half.
The Crusaders emerged victorious from this game and enjoyed a third consecutive Patriot League victory, now having a conference record of 3-2. They now rank sixth in the league. More importantly for morale, this game was the first time the Crusaders won at Fitton Field in two years. With new momentum and chemistry established, the Crusaders prepare for a string of home games in the coming weeks, with the next game against the second-ranked Richmond Spiders on Halloween Day. Charge on Crusaders!
Image Courtesy of Yahoo Sports
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