Holy Cross Football Upsets #20 Harvard 27-17 at Fitton Field

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Joe Calabro, GoLocalWorcester Sports Team

PHOTO: Holycross.com

The Holy Cross Crusaders football team upset previously undefeated #20 Harvard, 27-17 on Saturday afternoon at Fitton Field.

The loss was Harvard's first nonconference road loss in five years.

Holy Cross improves to 3-4 overall on the season, while Harvard drops to 4-1 overall.

The Upset

Harvard got on the board first with eight minutes to play in the first quarter when Noah Reimers took a hand off 14 yards into the end zone to put the Crimson up 7-0 after a Jake McIntyre extra point was good.

After that, it was all Holy Cross, as they would score 21 straight points in the quarter.

It started on the Crusaders very next offensive possession when wide receiver Brendan Flaherty took a 32 yard pass from quarterback Geoff Wade into the end zone to tie the game at seven after a Zane Wasp extra point. The score capped off an eight play, 51 yard drive for the Holy Cross offense.

After the Crusaders’ defense came up with a stop, the offense went back to work.

This time, it was Wade hitting receiver Jake Wieczorek for a three yard pass to put Holy Cross on top for the the first time in the game, 14-7 after the Wasp extra point.

On Harvard’s next offensive possession, Holy Cross’ Kyle Young would sack and strip Harvard quarterback Tom Stewart on his own 13 yard line for a ten yard loss. The fumble was picked up by Holy Cross’ Brett Laurie in the end zone for a touchdown.

The Crusaders would take a 21-7 lead after the Wasp extra point.

Harvard Rally Falls Short

The Crimson would rally in the second quarter, scoring ten straight points to get back in the game.

It started early in the quarter when Harvard’s Brian Dunlap would take a 12 yard pass from Stewart into the end zone for a touchdown with just under 14 minutes to play. Holy Cross’ lead was now cut to just seven at 21-14 after the McIntyre extra point.

The Crimson would cut their deficit to five, 21-17, at the end of the second quarter when McIntyre knocked a 37 yard field goal through the uprights with four seconds left in the half. That would be Harvard's last points of the game.

Holy Cross would extend their lead in the second half on the leg of Wasp, who kicked a 44 yard field goal in the third quarter and a 41 yard field goal in the fourth quarter to give the Crusaders their winning margin 27-17, and the upset.

The Stats

Wade completed 23 of 35 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Domenic Cozier picked 115 yards rushing on 16 carries.

The Holy Cross receiving corps was led by Flaherty, who hauled in eight catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. Wieczorek added three catches for 69 yards.

Next up

Holy Cross goes back to Patriot League play next week when they host Lehigh on Saturday, October 22 at noon.

Related Slideshow: 10 Biggest Games in Holy Cross Basketball History

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10.

March 1, 1975

Holy Cross vs Army - The final game at the Worcester Auditorium

Holy Cross beat Army 89-73 in the final game at the Worcester Auditorium.

The Crusaders were coached by George Blaney and went 229-64 in the building all-time.

PHOTO: Tunnelbug/flickr

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9.

Feb, 14, 2001

Holy Cross vs Navy

Holy Cross clinches the programs first ever Patriot League Regular season title beating Navy 77-67 on the road.

Josh Sankes led Holy Cross that season.

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8.

March 9, 2001

Holy Cross vs. Navy - Patriot League Championship

Holy Cross beats Navy 68-64 in overtime to win the Patriot League Championship.

Ralph Willard was the head coach.

PHOTO: College Hoop Hits

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7.

March 9, 2007

Bucknell vs Holy Cross - Patriot League Championship

The Crusaders hosted the Patriot League Championship game at the Hart Center and defeated Bucknell 74-66.

Keith Simmons led Holy Cross in the game.

PHOTO: Wikipedia

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6.

March 10, 1993

Holy Cross vs Bucknell - Patriot League Championship

The Crusaders won their first Patriot league title beating Bucknell 98-73.

Rob Feaster was named tournament MVP after pouring in 66 points and recording 9 steals in three games.

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5.

March 5, 1977

Holy Cross vs. #8 Providence in ECAC Championship

Holy Cross defeated Providence 68-67 on a buzzer beater by Chris Potter to win ECAC Championship and advance to NCAA Tournament for first time in 21 years.