Holy Cross Crusaders vs Abbotsford Panthers

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A game just means so much more when there's a history between programs. The Holy Cross Crusaders' second straight 21-6 victory at home will be even sweeter for head coach Conrad Deugau as his team didn't just beat anyone. They defeated his friend and former Crusaders Alumni Jay Fujimura's Abbotsford Panthers. 



Fujimura went to Holy Cross and later taught at the school in the early 2000s. Deugau says the connection between him and the Panthers staff runs even deeper than that.

"I've taught his kids. Not to mention, we're friends in general.  Their OC, Carson Williams, coached at Holy Cross for a year with me. They also have other coaches who I know well. So with all that, there's always a bit more emotion tied to it."

The Crusaders channeled that emotion into playing fast, physical, and sound defense for a second straight week. Stopping the Panther's Spread option attack early and often and making them try to move the ball through the air instead. 


This played right into the hands of Paulo Emata. The senior linebacker had two interceptions, one that he took back for a pick-six to put the Crusaders up 7-0.

 Deciding that dominating on only defense wasn't enough, Emata later scored a receiving touchdown on offense to make the score 14-0. Emata's playmaking ability really changed the complexion of the game.

Deugau was elated with Emata post-game.  

"He had the best game of his high school career today. He really stood out for us today, and I'm so proud of him for how he's developed as a player."

The Panthers would respond in the second half and cut the lead to 14-6. Midway through the final frame, it was time for quarterback Xander McCrone and receiver Kaleb Orellana to make a critical play for the second week in a row. 

McCrone faked left to his running back and then rolled right; as he did, Orellana came out of his break with a step on his defender toward the sideline. McCrone put the ball right on the money, and Orellana fell into the endzone, and with that, it was 21-6 Crusaders.

With the Panthers back with the ball looking for a miracle, Crusaders cornerback Kalel Dizon intercepted a fifty-fifty ball to put the game away for good.

Deugau was happy with his team's performance for a second straight week. 

"Our special teams were solid today as well. Both our kick-off and punt teams forced fumbles, and we were able to recover. Overall, it was a solid performance, and we will keep building for next week's Saturday game vs Earl Marriott, another crosstown Surrey rival."


The Panthers will look to rebound next week against the Sullivan Heights Stars.