Hanover Area Rolls Past Holy Cross Behind Balanced Attack

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | September 6, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

DUNMORE — Saturday afternoon belonged to Hanover Area, as the Hawkeyes put together a dominant performance on both sides of the ball to cruise past host Holy Cross, 47-0. From explosive runs to big-play special teams and a stingy defense, Hanover controlled every phase of the game in the road win.

The Hawkeyes wasted no time striking, with Dewayne Downey breaking loose for a 73-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. He finished the day with 121 rushing yards and two scores, setting the tone for a ground game that piled up 170 yards overall. His younger brother, Dawin Downey, added another spark, tallying 31 rushing yards and catching three passes for 48 yards.

Hanover’s versatility shined in the second quarter. Deacon Eisenbach returned a punt 46 yards for a touchdown, then hauled in a 57-yard scoring strike from quarterback Logan Richardson just before halftime. Richardson threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball to multiple weapons including Conor Richardson (65 yards) and Eisenbach (89 yards). In the third, Conor Richardson found the end zone himself on a 7-yard pass from Richardson to push the lead even further.

The defense and special teams weren’t done making noise. Elijah Hickenson capped the afternoon with a 42-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth, one of three interceptions recorded by the Hanover defense.

Holy Cross fought hard but struggled to find rhythm offensively, managing just 103 total yards. Running back Aiden Wudarski was the bright spot for the Crusaders, rushing for 102 yards on 14 carries while also picking off a pass on defense.

Hanover Area (1-2) will look to build on the win when they host Old Forge in Week 4, with the Blue Devils still searching for their first victory. Holy Cross (1-2) will try to bounce back on the road against Carbondale.

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