On Friday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m., the high school football season begins as the St. Henry Crusaders visit the Covington Holy Cross Indians at Thomas More University.  Last season, Holy Cross shut out St. Henry 47-0 at Crusader Field. How does this game go? Start the discussion.

Sorry, haven't been around much and largely out of the loop, but do we know who QB1 is for the Cru?

Those are some slick helmets!

Looks like that Twitter account is also providing in-game updates, FYI.

28 minutes ago, Colonels_Wear_Blue said:

Those are some slick helmets!

Looks like that Twitter account is also providing in-game updates, FYI.

Yes, we are!

Score?

Holy Cross leads 33-7 with 8 minutes left in the game.

33-7 Holy Cross.

Ballgame.

HC rolls!

TurboStats GameCast for Football: St. Henry Crusaders_vs_Holy Cross Indians

The Covington Holy Cross Indians take the first game of the season 33-7 over the St. Henry Crusaders at Thomas More University. 

For Holy Cross, QB Brian Ferguson was 8-9 passing for 93 yards and 1 TD (a 15 yard strike to Xavier Thornberry).  RB Charles Oglesby had a huge game running for 143 yards on 15 carries with two TDs.  RB/LB Dustin Wilson ran for 78 yards on 10 carries with a short touchdown. Dustin sealed the deal in the 4th quarter with 52 yard pick 6 of Crusader QB Cy Parento.

For St. Henry, RB Owen Pate had 7 carries for 87 yards. RB Lucas Pate had a huge run of 62 yards for the Crusader's only score in the 3rd quarter. He had 65 yards total on 5 carries. 

Next Friday night, Covington Holy Cross (1-0) travels to Bracken County (0-1). St. Henry (0-1) will host Boone County (1-0) .

I am going to try something new this year. The following is my first attempt at letting AI give a summary of this game in the role of a sports reporter based only on input from the play by play and box score, team stats and player stats. Some of the original report was clearly incorrect, so I had to make some modifications.

HOLY CROSS OPENS 2026 WITH STATEMENT WIN OVER ST. HENRY, 33-7

Under the lights at Thomas More University Stadium, the Covington Holy Cross Indians delivered the kind of season-opening performance that sends a message. Behind a bruising ground attack, timely passing, and a momentum-swinging defensive touchdown, Holy Cross rolled past St. Henry 33-7 on August 21st to begin the 2026 campaign 1-0.

A FIRST HALF THAT SET THE TONE

Holy Cross wasted no time establishing control. After an early defensive stop, the Indians marched 56 yards on 10 plays, capped by Charles Oglesby's 2-yard touchdown run, the first of his two scores on the night. The drive showcased the formula that would define the evening: physical offensive line play and Oglesby's relentless downhill running.

The Indians struck again midway through the second quarter. Oglesby ripped off a 22-yard touchdown burst, pushing the lead to 13-0. Even when St. Henry's defense forced long-yardage situations, quarterback Brian Ferguson kept drives alive with efficient throws-most notably a 31-yard strike to Max Hunt that set up another scoring opportunity.

Holy Cross closed the half with a crisp 46-yard scoring drive, highlighted by Ferguson's 13-yard scramble and a 15-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Thornberry, giving the Indians a commanding 19-0 halftime lead.

ST. HENRY'S SPARK - AND HOLY CROSS' RESPONSE

St. Henry finally broke through early in the third quarter when Lucas Pate sprinted 62 yards for a touchdown, trimming the deficit to 19-7. For a moment, momentum seemed to shift.

Holy Cross answered emphatically.

The Indians pieced together a six-play, 71-yard drive fueled by Oglesby and Dustin Wilson, who combined for chunk gains before Wilson punched in a 1-yard score. Castanda's extra point made it 26-7, restoring full control.

DEFENSE SLAMS THE DOOR

If the offense set the tone, the defense delivered the exclamation point.

With eight minutes left, St. Henry attempted to convert a fourth-and-six near midfield. Dustin Wilson jumped the route, intercepted the pass, and raced 52 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the Holy Cross sideline and stretching the lead to 33-7.

Just minutes later, Thornberry added a 58-yard interception return, though a penalty wiped out part of the run. Still, the takeaway sealed a dominant defensive performance that included multiple sacks, forced penalties, and four turnovers.

STAT LEADERS (from box score & play-by-play)

Holy Cross Offense

Charles Oglesby: 2 rushing TDs, well over 100 yards

Dustin Wilson: rushing TD + 52-yard pick-six

Brian Ferguson: passing TD, several key scrambles, efficient short-to-intermediate passing

Xavier Thornberry: receiving TD, multiple receptions, interception

St. Henry Offense

Lucas Pate: 62-yard TD run, several tough carries

Cy Parento / Andrew Stewart: combined passing efforts, but pressured throughout

THE VERDICT

Holy Cross didn't just win-they imposed their identity. A punishing run game, opportunistic defense, and disciplined execution carried them wire-to-wire. For a team with postseason aspirations, this was the kind of opening statement that resonates.

Next week, the Indians look to build on their momentum as they continue their 2026 campaign with confidence-and a clear sense of who they are.

1 hour ago, nkypete said:

I am going to try something new this year. The following is my first attempt at letting AI give a summary of this game in the role of a sports reporter based only on input from the play by play and box score, team stats and player stats. Some of the original report was clearly incorrect, so I had to make some modifications.

HOLY CROSS OPENS 2026 WITH STATEMENT WIN OVER ST. HENRY, 33-7

Under the lights at Thomas More University Stadium, the Covington Holy Cross Indians delivered the kind of season-opening performance that sends a message. Behind a bruising ground attack, timely passing, and a momentum-swinging defensive touchdown, Holy Cross rolled past St. Henry 33-7 on August 21st to begin the 2026 campaign 1-0.

A FIRST HALF THAT SET THE TONE

Holy Cross wasted no time establishing control. After an early defensive stop, the Indians marched 56 yards on 10 plays, capped by Charles Oglesby's 2-yard touchdown run, the first of his two scores on the night. The drive showcased the formula that would define the evening: physical offensive line play and Oglesby's relentless downhill running.

The Indians struck again midway through the second quarter. Oglesby ripped off a 22-yard touchdown burst, pushing the lead to 13-0. Even when St. Henry's defense forced long-yardage situations, quarterback Brian Ferguson kept drives alive with efficient throws-most notably a 31-yard strike to Max Hunt that set up another scoring opportunity.

Holy Cross closed the half with a crisp 46-yard scoring drive, highlighted by Ferguson's 13-yard scramble and a 15-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Thornberry, giving the Indians a commanding 19-0 halftime lead.

ST. HENRY'S SPARK - AND HOLY CROSS' RESPONSE

St. Henry finally broke through early in the third quarter when Lucas Pate sprinted 62 yards for a touchdown, trimming the deficit to 19-7. For a moment, momentum seemed to shift.

Holy Cross answered emphatically.

The Indians pieced together a six-play, 71-yard drive fueled by Oglesby and Dustin Wilson, who combined for chunk gains before Wilson punched in a 1-yard score. Castanda's extra point made it 26-7, restoring full control.

DEFENSE SLAMS THE DOOR

If the offense set the tone, the defense delivered the exclamation point.

With eight minutes left, St. Henry attempted to convert a fourth-and-six near midfield. Dustin Wilson jumped the route, intercepted the pass, and raced 52 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the Holy Cross sideline and stretching the lead to 33-7.

Just minutes later, Thornberry added a 58-yard interception return, though a penalty wiped out part of the run. Still, the takeaway sealed a dominant defensive performance that included multiple sacks, forced penalties, and four turnovers.

STAT LEADERS (from box score & play-by-play)

Holy Cross Offense

Charles Oglesby: 2 rushing TDs, well over 100 yards

Dustin Wilson: rushing TD + 52-yard pick-six

Brian Ferguson: passing TD, several key scrambles, efficient short-to-intermediate passing

Xavier Thornberry: receiving TD, multiple receptions, interception

St. Henry Offense

Lucas Pate: 62-yard TD run, several tough carries

Cy Parento / Andrew Stewart: combined passing efforts, but pressured throughout

THE VERDICT

Holy Cross didn't just win-they imposed their identity. A punishing run game, opportunistic defense, and disciplined execution carried them wire-to-wire. For a team with postseason aspirations, this was the kind of opening statement that resonates.

Next week, the Indians look to build on their momentum as they continue their 2026 campaign with confidence-and a clear sense of who they are.

That AI is a total homer. 😁

8 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

That AI is a total homer. 😁

If HC stumbles in an upcoming game, let's see what AI says!