The Holy Cross Crusaders opened their 2026 campaign with a 35‑10 loss to No. 11 Lehigh, a result that underscored the challenges facing a young squad eager to prove itself in the Patriot League.
Key Performances
Junior quarterback David Lynch made his debut a memorable one, completing 25 of 40 passes for 313 yards and a touchdown while also finding rookie receiver Myles Abernathy for 129 yards on nine catches.
Sophomore tight end Drae Tyme celebrated his first collegiate score, and sophomore Lincoln Fisher posted a career‑high 64 receiving yards on three grabs, highlighting a balanced offensive effort.
Early Dominance
Lehigh seized control early, rattling off 21 unanswered points in the first quarter that included a 26‑yard field goal by sophomore Owen Saraceno after a 14‑yard strike from Lynch to Abernathy.
The momentum carried into the third quarter when Hayden Johnson connected with Nick Palumbo on a touchdown pass, pushing the lead to 28‑3.
Fourth‑Quarter Fightback
The Crusaders finally got on the board when Lynch found Tyme for a 15‑yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 28‑10.
A subsequent interception set up Luke Yoder’s third rushing touchdown, sealing a 35‑10 final margin but also revealing a spark of resilience in the closing stages.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, Holy Cross will travel to face Colgate on September 5 at 1 p.m., a matchup that offers the team a chance to regroup and build on the flashes of promise displayed by Lynch, Abernathy, and their teammates.