In the 103rd edition of “The Rivalry”, Holy Cross blanked Jesuit 30-0 for its first win over the Blue Jays in six years at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans on Oct. 27th.
Holy Cross (7-2, 4-2 in district play) narrowed Jesuit’s lead in the series as the record now stands at 61-41-1 as the two Catholic League schools have been played every year without interruption since 1922. The Tigers’ last victory against the Jays had been a 31-17 decision in 2017.
Holy Cross, donning their green uniforms instead of their typical blue ones, held Jesuit scoreless for the first time since 1976 when the Tigers defeated the Blue Jays 13-0. Moreover, it is the most lopsided victory Holy Cross has ever had over Jesuit since 1948 when the Tigers won 55-0.
“We needed this as a community,” Holy Cross head coach Scott Wattigny said. “Not only did we need this win but we needed these last seven (wins). This team has been battle-tested for a long time so I couldn’t be more proud of them.
Holy Cross quarterback Cole Canatella was named the most valuable player of the game by the Great American Rivalry Series. Canatella completed 14 of his 16 pass attempts for 165 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Koby Young finished with five catches for 53 yards while Krosse Johnson finished with 2 catches for 53 yards.
This was a huge win for the three-year starter at quarterback as he is one of 15 seniors that are a part of the Class of 2024. The reason why this was a huge win for this senior class: they have never beaten Jesuit.
“We have never been on this side at the end of the game and it’s a big rivalry game so it’s great we came out on top,” Canatella said.
Although Canatella and the passing game were key in the victory, the performance of sophomore running back Ke’rynn Smith was a huge factor in the Tigers’ victory. Smith led the Tigers in rushing with 11 carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns.
Holy Cross got on the board first with a 65-yard scoring drive that was capped off with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Canatella to tight end Derrick Johnson, Jr to put the Tigers ahead 6-0 with 3:11 left in the first quarter.
After forcing Jesuit to punt, Holy Cross would get the ball again and Canatella would find Krosse Johnson for a 47-yard bomb on Jesuit’s six-yard line. Two plays later, Holy Cross running back Kayden Andoh would plunge himself in the endzone for a one-yard score to put the Tigers ahead 13-0 with seven minutes left in the second quarter. The score would remain that way through halftime.
With 7:39 left in the third quarter, Smith would score his first touchdown of the game from six yards out to extend the Tigers’ lead to 20-0.
A Noel Mora field goal and Smith’s second touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter would account for the margin.
For Holy Cross, they hope to finish the season with a win on senior night against a talented non-district opponent with East. St. John traveling to Tad Gormley Stadium on Nov. 2. Jesuit looks to finish their season with a win against their pesky Catholic League rivals Archbishop Rummel on Nov. 3.
You must be logged in to post a comment.