Sabers Break Through: Susquehanna Rallies Past Holy Cross for First Win of the Season, 21–20

By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | October 25, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

DUNMORE — Sometimes, all it takes is one game to change everything.

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Dunmore, the Susquehanna Sabers flipped the script on their season, rallying late to stun Holy Cross on their Senior Day, 21–20, earning their first win of the 2025 campaign in dramatic fashion.

It was a finish full of heart and chaos, capped by a gutsy play call, a defensive stand, and a freshman who refused to flinch.

Vincent Leads the Crusaders Early

For much of the afternoon, it looked like Holy Cross would close its season with a win.

Senior running back Kevin Vincent put on another show, bulldozing through defenders on his way to 173 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. He opened the game with a 62-yard touchdown sprint, added an 8-yard score before halftime, and finished his day with a 7-yard run in the fourth quarter that brought the Crusaders within one.

At halftime, Holy Cross led 14–6 and appeared well in control, pounding out consistent gains behind their veteran back.

Sabers Find Their Spark

The second half, though, belonged to the Sabers.

Quarterback Gabe Maby ignited the comeback midway through the third quarter with a 20-yard touchdown run, cutting the Crusaders’ lead to 14–12. On the ensuing two-point conversion, Maby rolled right and hit Mason Keyes in the end zone to tie the game at 14–14.

Then came the game’s biggest swing, Holy Cross fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Susquehanna quickly capitalized. Freshman Joey Allen took an option toss and threw a strike to Keyes for the go-ahead touchdown, giving the Sabers a 21–14 lead and sending their sideline into a frenzy.

Crusaders’ Gamble Falls Short

Holy Cross wasn’t done yet.

Vincent punched in his third touchdown of the day from 7 yards out late in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to one. Opting to go for two and the outright lead, the Crusaders came up short as the Sabers defense held strong to preserve the 21–20 advantage.

After the Sabers turn it over on downs, the Crusaders had one last drive to make it happen, but Allen sealed it himself, intercepting a pass inside the final minute to clinch Susquehanna’s first victory of the season.

Stats and Season Wrap

Susquehanna finished the day with 86 rushing yards and 61 passing yards, making the most of their opportunities and leaning on timely execution. Maby led the way with 56 rushing yards, 54 passing yards, and two touchdowns, while Keyes scored twice and Allen made his presence felt on both sides of the ball.

Holy Cross (3–7) closed the season with 232 rushing yards and 57 passing yards, powered by Vincent’s dominant ground game and quarterback Chase Rutkoski’s efforts (5-of-19, 57 yards). Despite the heartbreaking finish, the Crusaders’ seniors leave behind a year of pride and progress for the program.

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