Holy Cross Crusaders vs Sardis Falcons

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The Holy Cross Crusaders extended their winning streak to four games as they defeated the Sardis Falcons 29-21 in front of a ruckus Falcons crowd. 

"This was an incredible game to be a part of. The atmosphere was awesome. Sardis had their drumline there and they were absolutely incredible and created an atmosphere nothing like anything we're used to."

Crusaders Head Coach Conrad Deugau said about the atmosphere on Friday night. The loud crowd didn't phase the Crusaders; rather, they were fueled by it, starting from the opening kickoff. 

Running back Kalel Dizon took that kickoff to the house and silenced the crowd momentarily. Deugau commended his opponent's ability to fight back from an early momentum killer.

"Often that type of play and the emotion behind it can sink the opposition, but full kudos to Sardis they fought back. And they really fought back."

The Falcons are no pushovers. They shook off that return touchdown and responded by scoring twice before the half and then again in quarter number three and had the Crusaders hanging on by a thread, as they lead 21-8.  

With the momentum completely flipped in the Falcon's favor, Deugau knew it was time for the Crusaders to test their mental toughness and to call on their star.

"That also could sink a team, but we dug deep and fought our way back. We had key offensive possessions with Kalel Dizon once again getting scores both on the ground."

Feeding off the energy of their star, the Crusader's defense made critical plays, getting key stops and stifling the Sardis O in the second half. The Crusader's special teams didn't want to be left out either. 

Late in the 4th quarter, a game-changing fumble recovery by Crusaders defensive end Adam Rashad on a muffed punt gave the Crusaders the ball back with the game tied at 21.

With under a minute to go, quarterback Xander McCrone found Paulo Emata in the endzone for the game-winning score. 29-21 Crusaders was the final.

Deugau and his staff were impressed with their team's ability to never say never. 

"All of us coaches are proud of the resilience that our boys showed and our ability to over come adversity."

The Crusaders will play Nanaimo District next Friday at Burnaby Lakes.