Jesuit Wins Fourth Straight in 99th Meeting vs. Holy Cross, 28-7

Posted October 1, 2018 / Last updated October 5, 2018

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The Golden Football trophy is back at Carrollton and Banks.

By a score of 28-7, Jesuit football won its 99th meeting against Holy Cross on Friday night at Tad Gormley Stadium to secure the 2018 Great American Rivalry Series. The Blue Jays (4-1, 2-0) snagged their fourth consecutive victory in front of approximately 15,000 people who came to witness the historic district rivalry. Jesuit improved its lead in the series that started in 1922 to 57-40-1.

The Blue Jay defensive line arrived to the challenge as it has all season; and while senior Perry Ganci once again led the way, his sturdy counterparts Owen Melville (senior) and Sonny Hazard (junior) showed their strength as the defense held the Tigers to just 28 yards rushing and 104 passing. Together, the trio recorded 13 tackles and five sacks with Melville responsible for two sacks that pushed Holy Cross back 23 total yards. Player of the Game Perry Ganci was certainly deserving of the MVP award, but even he knows what served as the play of the game.

Without a doubt, it was Luke Besh’s 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that opened the second half, provided the game’s first score, and created breathing room for the Jays to finish what was clearly an overall team win.

The final Jesuit touchdown, and last score of the game, started on the ground but finished in the air as senior tailback Willie Robinson ran 15 yards along the sideline and flew across the goal line like his life depended on it. Robinson’s will to score was a reflection of Jesuit’s determination throughout the entirety of the district contest.

(WATCH) CrescentCitySports.com | Full-Game Replay 

Through the Lens…

Senior running back Willie Robinson dives into the end zone for a 15-yard rushing touchdown, the final score of Jesuit’s 28-7 Rivalry Game victory.

View the Photo Gallery from the Jesuit-Holy Cross Football Game

View the Photo Gallery from the Rivalry Tailgate, Parade, and On-Field Ceremonies

By the Numbers…

Jesuit: 332 yards of total offense (217 rushing, 115 passing)
Holy Cross: 132 
yards of total offense (216 rushing, 104 passing)

Passing: Robert McMahon, 8-16, 119 YDS
Rushing: Willie Robinson, 18 CAR, 103 YDS, 1 TD; Brayton Whittington, 15-85, 1 TD; Robert McMahon, 14-28
Receiving: Noah Varnado, 3 REC, 71 YDS; Brenden Berggren, 1-15; Will Moran, 1-8; Brayton Whittington, 2-11; Zach Charneco, 1-10

Scoring Summary​
FIRST QUARTER JHS HC
FG
7:25
Max Scheurich 36-yard Field Goal
3 0
SECOND QUARTER    
FG
1:44
Max Scheurich 44-yard Field Goal
6 0
THIRD QUARTER     
TD
11:46
Luke Besh 93-yard Kickoff Return
Max Scheurich kick
13 0
TD
8:44
Brayton Whittington 1-yd run
Max Scheurich kick
20 0
TD
1:50
Bryan Broussard 8-yard pass from Jalen Johnson
Nolan Heitmeyer kick
20 7
FOURTH QUARTER    
TD
7:27
Willie Robinson 15-yd run
Luke LaForge pass from Robert McMahon (2-pt. conversion)
28 7

In Their Words…

Senior Perry Ganci receives the Rivalry Game MVP Award.

Perry Ganci, who was selected by the Great American Rivalry as the game’s MVP, explained how well the defense played, saying, “It was a great game plan from the coaches. We reduced our mistakes, so we were able to show how great our defense was. The offense showed out in the second half, and we just did the job.”

Vote for Perry Ganci as the South Shore Player of Week 5

“When you have a strong senior class, and I’m not just talking about football players, the spirit of the school is high,” head football coach Mark Songy said humbly after the big win. “We’re so privileged to play in front of students and fans that love what we do. It’s such a pleasure, and that’s why I work here.” 

On the Horizon…

Jesuit resumes Catholic League play against John Curtis on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at Yulman Stadium.

Read More…

NOLA.com | Jesuit 28, Holy Cross 7: Blue Jays defense dominates in key Catholic League win

TheAdvocate.com | Jesuit continues turnaround by beating Holy Cross 28-7