'We’re definitely hurting right now': Holy Cross absorbs another tough loss, falls to Lafayette, 21-13

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WORCESTER ― Holy Cross’ 20 fifth years and seniors played their final game at Fitton Field on Nov. 1, and the Crusaders hoped to send their special group out with a victory.

Senior Max Mosey’s second punt return for a touchdown in as many weeks put the Crusaders ahead in the third quarter and HC’s defense held Lafayette to its lowest point total against and FCS opponent this season, but junior Kente Edwards rushed for two touchdowns and the Leopards kept the Crusaders out of the end zone on a late drive to prevail, 21-13.

Lafayette (6-3) improved to 4-0 in the Patriot League for the first time since 2009. The Leopards share the top spot in the PL standings with Lehigh.

Holy Cross fell to 1-8 (1-3).

“I’m extremely disappointed for our guys,” Mosey said, “for our seniors who worked their (butts) off to get where they are today. I love these guys. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. The outcome wasn’t what we wanted, but regardless, I love each and every one of these guys.”

Holy Cross recognized its seniors and their families in a postgame ceremony.

“We’re definitely hurting right now,” said senior defensive lineman Colin Reynolds, who had four tackles, half a sack and a fumble recovery. “We gave it our all today and I couldn’t be prouder of our guys. It’s crazy how fast time flies when you’re a senior. I remember being a freshman and taking my first steps on this field. Now, unfortunately, I’m going to take my last. I’m very blessed and thankful for these guys and the coaching staff.”

Edwards, who carried 28 times for 146 yards, was the recipient of the Dr. Edward N. Anderson Award, presented annually to the most outstanding player of HC’s Family Weekend game.

Holy Cross junior running back Jayden Clerveaux rushed for a season-high 135 yards on 17 carries.

The Crusaders tied a season high with four turnovers.

“The fact we had four turnovers and stayed in the game says a lot about our special teams and our defense,” HC coach Dan Curran said.

In addition to Mosey’s return, Holy Cross blocked two punts and senior Luis Palenzuela was 2-2 on field goals. Junior linebacker Cam Santee had a team-high 13 tackles and a sack. Junior corner Cam Jones had eight tackles and two pass breakups, including one in the end zone in the second quarter.

Sophomore quarterback Braden Graham exited the game with an undisclosed injury after being strip-sacked in the first quarter. Freshman Dom Campanile played the rest of the game and was 17-22 for 127 yards and an interception. He was sacked three times.

Campanile, who played in goal-line packages the last couple weeks, led HC deep into Lafayette territory in the final minute. The Leopards sacked him for a 9-yard loss on fourth down to end the game.

“Dom handled himself well against a very good Lafayette defense,” Curran said. “There are a couple of throws he’d like to have back, but the kid is a gamer, an unbelievable competitor. Not being able to finish that last drive was disappointing.”

Sophomore corner Ryan Gadson picked off Graham early in the first quarter, but the Leopards didn’t capitalize on the takeaway. They did, however, make the most of a fumble recovery later in the quarter.

After Santee strip sacked backup quarterback Jason Penza and Reynolds recovered the ball at the HC 35, the Crusaders gave the ball right back to the Leopards as junior defensive end Jaylon Joseph strip sacked Graham.

Sophomore safety Dhonte Jackson recovered at the HC 30, helping to set up Edwards’ 10-yard touchdown run up the middle for Lafayette’s first points.

This marked the fourth straight game that Lafayette tallied at least one forced fumble and one interception.

After a 9-yard sack with less than 2 minutes left in the first half, Campanile converted a third-and-15 with a 21-yard completion to Mosey, and his 14-yard throw to sophomore Ty Curran got the Crusaders in the red zone.

HC moved to the Lafayette 3, but with time running out, settled for a 21-yard Luis Palenzuela field goal.

Lafayette led at the break, 7-3.

Midway through the third, Clerveaux broke away for a 67-yard run, which set up Palenzuela’s 29-yard field goal.

Mosey’s 59-yard punt return for a TD gave HC a 13-7 lead with 5:23 left in the third.

“The ball bounced and no one was on the left side of the field,” Mosey said, “so I picked it up, broke my tackle and just ran on the open field.”

Mosey had a 47-yard punt return for a TD in last week’s loss to Colgate.

It took Lafayette less than 3 minutes to regain the lead. Senior quarterback Dean DeNobile connected with Mason Kuehner for 27 yards and Matthew Scerbo, who made a circus catch at the HC 7 while tightly covered by sophomore Caiden Newsome, for 34 yards to set up Ethan Weber’s touchdown run.

Edwards scored his second TD, from 3 yards out, with 2:39 left in the fourth.

Holy Cross finished with 281 yards of total offense and was 6-15 on third down.

“Lafayette is one of the hottest teams in the conference and they’ve been causing problems for people defensively,” Curran said. “We knew it would be an ultra-competitive game like it has been the last three years. Our guys came to play.”

—Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JenTolandTG.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Lafayette hands Holy Cross another tough loss as Crusaders fall to 1-8

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