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McDermott Deals as Holy Redeemer Takes Down Holy Cross, 39-14

McDermott Deals as Holy Redeemer Takes Down Holy Cross, 39-14

By: SportzWire | SportzWire | October 4, 2026 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire

WILKES-BARRE — Holy Redeemer wasted little time taking control Saturday night.

The Royals scored twice in the opening quarter, built a 26-7 halftime advantage and rolled past Holy Cross 39-14 at King’s College behind a big night from quarterback Brady McDermott.

McDermott completed 13 of 17 passes for 270 yards and four touchdowns, leading a Redeemer offense that finished with 396 total yards.

Mike Zbierski opened the scoring with a 6-yard touchdown reception from McDermott before Jerry Fino broke loose for a 23-yard rushing touchdown. Holy Cross answered late in the first when Chris Transue hauled in a 14-yard touchdown from Chase Rutkoski, cutting the deficit to 14-7.

Redeemer quickly took back the momentum.

McDermott connected with Zbierski again for a 13-yard touchdown and later found Fino for a 7-yard score, sending the Royals into halftime with a 26-7 lead.

Wildy Rodriguez added a 3-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter before Redeemer delivered its biggest play of the night early in the fourth. McDermott connected with Lucas Shrader for a 75-yard touchdown, his fourth scoring pass of the game, to stretch the advantage to 39-7.

Holy Cross added a late touchdown on Luca Berardi’s 2-yard run to close the scoring.

McDermott spread the football around throughout the night. Josh Grochowski finished with three catches for 94 yards, Shrader had the 75-yard touchdown, Zbierski caught four passes and scored twice, while Fino contributed touchdowns both rushing and receiving.

Redeemer’s defense also did its part, intercepting two passes while limiting Holy Cross to 234 total yards.

For Holy Cross, Rutkoski finished 10-of-18 for 167 yards and a touchdown, while Berardi caught five passes for 66 yards in addition to his rushing score.

It was a complete night for the Royals…an early lead, explosive plays through the air and a defense that never allowed Holy Cross to seriously threaten after the opening quarter.

Up next: Holy Redeemer travels to Greater Nanticoke Area Friday night, while Holy Cross returns home to host Carbondale Area on Saturday.

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