Holy Cross's offense rose to the challenge against a Saints defense that boasted an average of only 14.63 points allowed on Friday. The Holy Cross Knights were the clear victor by a 34-14 margin over the First Baptist Saints. With the Knights ahead 21-0 at the half, the match was all but over already.
Holy Cross' success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Gibby Alvarado led the charge by rushing for 112 yards and two touchdowns, while also throwing for 165 yards while completing 76.9% of his passes. Another back making a difference was Daniel Perez, who rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown on only nine carries.
He was just one part of a punishing run game: Holy Cross was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 312 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as First Baptist only rushed for 56.
Holy Cross didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Issiah Jackson Rice.
When it comes to explaining why First Baptist lost, don't look at Bradlee Mays. Despite the final result, he picked up 101 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Mays' receiving production has been exceptional recently as that marked his third straight game with at least 101 receiving yards dating back to last season.
The win for Holy Cross keeps them at an undefeated 8-0. As for First Baptist, the defeat snapped their winning streak at 20 games dating back to last season and leaves them with a 7-1 record.
Holy Cross will take on John Paul II at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The timing isn't great for John Paul II: they have been struggling with three straight losses at home, while Holy Cross has snatched up four consecutive wins on the road dating back to last season. As for First Baptist, they will face off against Bishop Reicher Catholic at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. First Baptist is facing Bishop Reicher Catholic at the right time seeing as Bishop Reicher Catholic is stuck on a seven-game losing streak.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
