Friday night marked the first game the Crusaders (7-0, 2-0) were under the lights of Tad Gormley on a Friday night this season, and they were ready to play. The Brother Martin defense dominated the Tigers in a 42-10 win.
On the game’s first play, Holy Cross hit an open receiver in the middle of the field as he raced 74 yards to the Brother Martin 6. The Crusader defense regrouped and held the Tigers to a field goal for a 3-0 lead.
On the next two possessions, the teams traded punts. The Crusader offense found the endzone on their next possession as Jake Broggi (9-for-22, 130 yards) found Irv Smith for a 33-yard touchdown pass and a 7-3 lead.
The Tigers answered back with an 8-play, 80-yard drive that resulted in a 15-yard touchdown run for a 10-7 Tiger lead.
That would be the final score of the game for the Tigers as the Crusaders shutout Holy Cross in the final three quarters.
After taking a 21-10 halftime lead, the Brother Martin offense marched 68 yards late in the third quarter, capped by a 38-yard Jordan-Swilling touchdown run.
Brother Martin ended any hopes of a Tiger comeback with a 97-yard drive to open the fourth quarter that was capped by a 1-yard West touchdown run to make it 35-10. Fernando Harris added a 47-yard touchdown run with less than two minutes left to set the final score.
Jared West rushed for 177 yards and two scores on 26 carries while Bruce Jordan-Swilling carried the ball nine times for 153 yards and two scores. As a team, Brother Martin rushed for 428 yards as the Crusaders remained undefeated with a 42-10 District 9-5A win at Tad Gormley Stadium and spoil Holy Cross’ homecoming.
Our Crusaders will be back in action this Friday vs. the Archbishop Shaw Eagles. Kickoff for our Homecoming Game is set for 7:00 p.m. at Tad Gormley.
