RB Jeff Smith evades Crusader horde. BC photo

For some, it was a reminder of a heated and competitive rivalry of storied dimensions. For others, it was a game against an opponent who had very little chance of success. BC’s 62-14 win over Holy Cross yesterday was both.

BC and Holy Cross had played football against each other 82 times before, for both more than any other team. Before yesterday, however, the last game had been in 1986. An increase in the number of athletic scholarships permitted at Holy Cross and other members of the Patriot League allowed the teams to meet, and they will play again in 2020.

WR Ben Glines and coach celebrate TD by Glines. BC photo

The Eagles received the opening kickoff and, on the first play, AJ Dillon ran 54 yards to the Holy Cross 22. Three plays later, Dillon ran 7 yards for the touchdown. BC’s second “drive” consisted of a 74-yard touchdown run by Dillon. After a 3-and-out by the Crusaders, BC had a 3rd touchdown drive, capped by Dillon’s 7-yard run. In effect, the game had been decided.

On those first 3 drives, Dillon had rushed 6 times for 149 yards and 3 touchdowns. He rested thereafter. Starting quarterback Anthony Brown was 2-for-2 for 43 yards and, after coming in for one more series in the 2nd quarter, rested thereafter.

Backup quarterbacks EJ Perry and Matt McDonald (of Newport Beach, Calif.) each threw 2 touchdown passes during the remainder of the game. Freshman running back David Bailey had 11 carries for 80 yards, backing up Dillon.

The Eagles had 610 yards total offense to Holy Cross’s 263 yards.

Late in the 3rd quarter, Holy Cross blocked a BC punt and returned it for a touchdown. They repeated the block and score in the 4th quarter. Here are video highlights.

We had invited members of the Holy Cross Club of San Diego to join us for the gamewatch. And that they did, outnumbering the Eagles in attendance! They also went way back, as members of the Holy Cross classes of 1957 and 1966 (back when it was a rivalry) were among the Crusaders.

Too much purple!

We look forward to more joint activities with local Crusaders.

Next game is Thursday at 4:30 pm. Eagles start conference play.