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 |
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|---|---|---|
| Coach Joe Giorgio | Noah Davis | Vinnie Sansone |
TEAM: Holy Cross Crusaders
COLORS: Green, Black & Silver
COACH: Joe Giorgio, 6th Season (13-40)
PIAA: Class 1A
2026 CONFERENCE: LFC Division III
2026 RECORD: 3-8 (0-5 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 13-40
STADIUM: Msgr. Crotti Field
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Pro
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-3
2026 PREVIEW
Although the Crusaders have won three games in each of the past two seasons, they continue to struggle in divisional play as their losing streak in LFC Division III/IV has reached 20 games. If Holy Cross hopes to end that streak in 2026, staying healthy will be critical with limited roster numbers. While the Crusaders lost several veterans to graduation, they do return a solid group of experienced starters.
Chase Rutkoski returns at quarterback after throwing for 716 yards last season. Chris Transue takes over as the starting running back after rushing for 310 yards in 2025. Noah Davis steps in at fullback. Luca Berardi returns at wide receiver and will be joined by J.J. Concepcion, while Tyler Kohut takes over at tight end.
The offensive line was the strength of the team a year ago but must replace three starters. Vinny Sansone returns at right tackle, while Matt Dick is back at center. Christian Novak, Joel Patino, and Ryan Rucker are expected to fill the remaining spots.
Defensively, Sansone returns at defensive tackle and will be joined by Novak. Kohut and Dick are projected to start at defensive end. Davis is back at outside linebacker, with Concepcion on the opposite side, while Rucker takes over at middle linebacker.
The secondary should be the strength of the 2026 squad. Transue and Rutkoski return at cornerback, while Berardi is back at safety and will be joined by John Blackledge.
QUOTE FROM COACH GIORGIO: We have to replace seven 3-year starters which means we will be very inexperienced. The goal is to improve each week and get better as the season progresses. Low numbers will provide a challenge so it’s important for us to try and stay healthy.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – LFC Division III
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