Holy Cross Crusaders vs Mission Roadrunners

Make it five in a row for the Holy Cross Crusaders. The Crusaders headed into enemy territory and escaped with a 34-16 victory against the Mission Roadrunners.

For Crusaders Head Coach Conrad Deugau, the opposing coaching staff had a bunch of familiar faces. Deugau has close connections with the Roadrunners staff from his days as a collegiate player.

"I have a personal connection with 2 of the Mission Coaches. Line coach Mike Schneider coached at SFU when I was up there (99-04), and receiver Coach Ken McLean was my teammate during those years as well. He was also part of the 99 freshman class that I was also part of, " Deugau said about his friendships postgame.  

During their winning streak, the Crusaders have consistently demonstrated their resilience, pulling off big plays at crucial times. Late in the first half today, it was no different.

Trailing 13-16, quarterback Xander McCrone did what he's done often this season and worked his magic again. McCrone found his star receiver Kalel Dizon for a momentum-changing touchdown that put the Crusaders up 20-16 at halftime.

Despite only being up by four, the momentum was completely in the Crusader's favor and stayed with them the rest of the afternoon. In the third quarter, Kalel Dizon scored for the second time with a 65-yard rush.

Dizon has been the Crusader's most explosive player all year long. Whether taking handoffs as a tailback, returning kicks, or catching touchdowns as a receiver, the Crusaders star can do it all.

With Mission driving downfield on their last chance to get back in the game, Crusaders linebacker Paulo Emata cut in front of a receiver for a game-sealing interception. The Crusader's defense has been turnover, forcing machines in their winning streak.

The defensive unit hasn't only been forcing turnovers, but they've been scoring off of them and giving their team a huge boost. With the Crusaders playing excellent complementary football right now, they could be dangerous heading into the postseason.

Deugau knows next week is huge for his team's playoff seeding, and on a personal level, more bragging rights are on the line.

"Next week, we play the always-good Robert Bateman team in the final game of the season. This game will determine who wins the East as we head into playoffs. Bateman's coach, David Mills, and I are close friends, and there are always some bragging rights with this game." 

That pivotal game will take place next Friday at 1:30.