Holy Cross Football Hosts #20 Harvard at Fitton Field

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Joe Calabro, GoLocalProv Sports Team

The Holy Cross Crusaders (2-4, 1-1 PL) will face undefeated #20 Harvard on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Fitton Field.

“Harvard will bring a very talented and experienced team to Fitton Field on Saturday. They have been executing well in all three phases of the game, and we will have to be at our best in order to earn a victory,” said Holy Cross head coach Tom Gilmore.

Harvard leads the all-time series 42-24.

Harvard won the last meeting 41-18 in September of 2014.

Harvard

Harvard is coming off a 29-13 win over Cornell last week to push their overall record to 4-0 and 2-0 in the Ivy League.

,,The Crimson are led by senior quarterback Joe Viviano ,who has complied 78 of 119 passes for 934 yards and seven touchdowns, while rushing for 184 yards and three touchdowns on 43 carries.

Out of the back field, Viviano hands the ball to junior, Semar Smith, who has racked up 339 yards on 72 carries with six touchdowns.

In the passing game, Harvard relies on senior high end, Anthony Firkser, who has a team leading 24 catches for 426 yards and five touchdowns.

The Harvard offense averages 36 points per game and nearly 500 yards of total offense per game.

On defense, Harvard only allows 18 points per game and boasts a stingy run defense, only giving up 92 yards rushing per game.

They are led by junior safety ,Tanner Lee, who has 19 tackles, three interceptions and one pass breakup.

Holy Cross

The Crusaders are coming off a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to Bucknell last week after holding a 17-0 lead in the second quarter.

Sophomore wide receiver, Richie DeNicola ,leads the Crusaders with 41 catches for 381 yards and three touchdowns, while senior receiver ,Jake Wieczorek, ranks second with 37 catches for 456 yards and four touchdowns.

On defense, junior linebacker, Nick McBeath leads the Crusaders with 56 tackles and five tackles for a loss, while senior linebacker, Kyle Long ,has pitched in 49 tackles and an interception.

Defensive end, Ryan Smith, has five sacks and one fumble recovery on the season.

Lent and Verrette to Ring of Honor

At halftime of the game, Jack Lentz and Glenn Verrette will become the 21st and 22nd members of the Crusader Football Legends Ring of Honor.

Looking Ahead

After the game against Harvard, Holy Cross will go back to Patriot League play, when they face Lehigh on Saturday, October 22 at noon.