From Winless to Winners: Holy Cross Knocks Off Unbeaten Montrose, 27-20
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | September 20, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus
DUNMORE — Holy Cross entered Saturday still searching for its first win. Montrose arrived without a loss.
By the end of the afternoon, neither was true anymore.
Behind a huge day from quarterback Chase Rutkoski, big plays from Luca Berardi and a defense that forced three interceptions, the Crusaders knocked off the previously unbeaten Meteors, 27-20.
Holy Cross wasted little time showing this Saturday would be different.
Rutkoski connected with Berardi for a 45-yard touchdown midway through the opening quarter. Less than five minutes later, he struck again, finding Tyler Kohut for another 45-yard score. Rutkoski ran in the two-point conversion and suddenly the winless Crusaders had built a 14-0 lead.
Montrose answered with its biggest weapon.
Liam MacNamee broke loose for a 67-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, but Holy Cross responded before halftime when Rutkoski found JJ Concepcion for a 14-yard touchdown, sending the Crusaders into the break with a 20-6 advantage.
The Meteors weren’t finished.
MacNamee scored from six yards out in the third quarter to cut into the deficit, but once again Holy Cross had an answer and once again it was Rutkoski to Berardi.
The pair connected for a 35-yard touchdown, their second scoring connection of the afternoon, to push the Crusaders’ lead to 27-13.
MacNamee added a 15-yard touchdown run with 39 seconds remaining in the third, pulling Montrose within 27-20 and setting up a one-score fourth quarter.
This time, Holy Cross held on.
Rutkoski finished 8-of-14 for 192 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 24 yards per completion. Berardi was his biggest target, hauling in five passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Kohut added his 45-yard score, while Concepcion had the other touchdown reception.
And Berardi wasn’t finished on offense.
He also grabbed one of Holy Cross’ three interceptions, joining Rutkoski, who had two picks himself. Those turnovers proved especially important against a Montrose team that still generated 292 yards of offense.
For the Meteors, MacNamee nearly powered the comeback himself. He rushed 20 times for 165 yards and all three Montrose touchdowns, including the 67-yard burst that initially brought the Meteors back into the game.
But Holy Cross had built enough of a cushion and made enough plays defensively to finish the job.
After entering Saturday looking for a breakthrough, the Crusaders walked away with one against an unbeaten opponent.
Holy Cross is in the win column. Montrose is unbeaten no more.
The Crusaders will look to carry the momentum on the road next Saturday against Columbia Montour Vo-Tech, while Montrose returns home Friday to host Renaissance Academy.
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