Last week was an exciting and successful week for the Crusaders on Elysian Fields Ave. They celebrated Homecoming 2017 with various events hosted by the Office of Student Services and Student Council. Students donned their best ‘Crimson & Gold’ spirit shirts on Friday to show off some school spirit and were “All IN” for Homecoming with a pep rally, lunch, and a pre-game tailgate. Alumni, friends, families, and parents of the band, cheerleaders, and football team were also ready for a great evening. Besides the great food and fun, the cheerleaders, NJROTC Drill Team, Crusader Band, and Drumline put on special performances. Also, the 2017 Homecoming Court was introduced with their student escorts prior to the game.
Then, the “Men that Never Say Die” stepped onto the gridiron to compete against the Holy Cross Tigers who were riding high after coming off their overtime victory against the Rummel Raiders the previous week. However, the Crusaders (3-4) persisted and hung on for a nail biter victory by a score of 26 – 22. Brother Martin took the opening possession and methodically drove down the field and capped off an 11 play drive with a touchdown run by Joshua Payne-Morgan. Right before the half, the Crusader defense sacked the Holy Cross quarterback, and Benjamin Chaplain returned the fumble for 66 yards for the touchdown. After a quiet third quarter, running back Matthew Alfonso started the scoring in the fourth with a 1 yard touchdown run. However, the Crusaders still found themselves trailing 22-19 late in the fourth quarter. That all changed when quarterback John-Paul Pierce found tight end Michael Clapp who fought off two defenders to score a 55 yard touchdown, and the Crusaders were able to hang on for the exciting 26-22 victory.
In addition, the 2017 Homecoming Court was introduced to families, friends, and students during halftime. The members of the court were Miss Sarah Alfonso, who was nominated by senior Brendan Brown, and was escorted by Mr. Chance Miller ’88. Miss Margaret “Maggie” Douglass was nominated by senior John Krummel, and was escorted by her father, Mr. Billy Douglass ’87. Miss Emily Hebert was nominated by senior Cade Sheehan, and was escorted by Mr. Steven Seiler ’83. Miss Macie Matherne was nominated by senior Benjamin Chaplain, and was escorted by Mr. Louis Chaplain ’82. Miss Taylor Yuratich was nominated by senior Colby Coulon, and was escorted by her father, Mr. Dana Yuratich ’89. Congratulations to Miss Calley Blue on being crowned the 2017 Homecoming Queen. Calley was nominated by senior John-Paul Pierce, was escorted by her father, Mr. Johnny Blue ’86, and was crowned by BOSHAA President Mr. Sal Brocato ’88 and Student Council President Colby Coulon. In addition, the 2016 Homecoming Queen Miss Shelby Villarrubia, who was escorted by Mr. Mark Buchert ’81, received a friendly welcome from the crowd.
Come cheer on the Crusaders as they take on the Rummel Raiders on Saturday, October 21, 2017. The game begins at 7 p.m. at Joe Yenni Stadium.
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