Holy Cross Turns to Young Core as Crusaders Begin New Chapter in 2026
Holy Cross enters the 2026 season with a youthful roster, a second-year starting quarterback and a renewed opportunity to build toward the future.
After finishing 3-8 in 2025 against a challenging Lackawanna Football Conference schedule, the Crusaders are looking to take the next step under head coach Joe Giorgio. While graduation claimed the heart of last year’s team, Holy Cross returns several promising underclassmen who gained valuable varsity experience and are expected to assume much larger roles this fall.
The Crusaders earned victories over Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech and Holy Redeemer last season and narrowly missed another conference win in a one-point loss to Susquehanna Community. Although the overall record was disappointing, the experience gained by a young roster could prove invaluable as the program moves forward.
Replacing eight key starters—including 1,000-yard rusher Kevin Vincent—will not be easy.
However, Holy Cross believes the development of its young skill players gives the program reason for optimism.
Rutkoski Ready to Lead the Offense
The future of Holy Cross football begins with sophomore quarterback Chase Rutkoski.
After earning the starting job as a freshman, Rutkoski enters the season with an entire year of varsity experience already behind him.
He completed 52 of 123 passes for 705 yards and four touchdowns while adding two rushing scores during his freshman campaign.
Those numbers only tell part of the story.
More importantly, Rutkoski gained valuable experience against varsity competition while learning to lead an offense.
The coaching staff believes he has made significant progress throughout the offseason and expects him to take another step forward this fall.
His continued development will largely determine the success of the Crusaders’ offense.
Holy Cross will count on Rutkoski to improve his decision-making, limit turnovers and provide leadership for an offense replacing several veteran contributors.
Replacing Vincent Headlines Offensive Challenge
The biggest question entering the season is replacing graduated running back Kevin Vincent.
Vincent surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark and served as the focal point of the offense throughout the past several seasons.
Replacing that production will require contributions from multiple players.
Junior Chris Transue appears ready for a larger offensive role after averaging more than 10 yards per carry in limited opportunities last season, rushing eight times for 86 yards and a touchdown.
The Crusaders hope his explosiveness can help offset some of Vincent’s production.
The coaching staff understands replacing a player of Vincent’s caliber will not happen with one individual.
Instead, the offense will need to become more balanced while allowing several young playmakers to contribute.
Berardi Gives Passing Game Proven Target
Junior Luca Berardi returns as the Crusaders’ top receiving threat after catching 15 passes for 230 yards last season.
At 6-foot and 170 pounds, Berardi provides size, athleticism and reliable hands on the outside.
His chemistry with Rutkoski should continue improving after both gained valuable experience together last season.
Holy Cross expects Berardi to become one of the offense’s primary playmakers.
His ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays will be critical as the Crusaders attempt to generate more offensive consistency.
When defenses commit extra attention to stopping the running game, Berardi has the talent to make opponents pay through the air.
Offensive Line Must Reload
While the Crusaders return several talented skill players, rebuilding the offensive line will be one of the program’s biggest priorities.
Graduation claimed several experienced linemen, leaving significant openings in the trenches.
Junior Vinnie Sansone returns to anchor the line after gaining valuable varsity experience.
Joining him is junior center Matt Dick, who provides another experienced presence in the middle.
The coaching staff believes improving upfront will determine how much the offense progresses.
Rutkoski needs time to throw.
The running game needs consistent blocking.
Everything begins at the line of scrimmage.
If the new starters develop quickly, Holy Cross should become much more competitive as the season progresses.
Ball Security Will Be Key
The offensive goals entering 2026 are straightforward.
Improve every week.
Protect the football.
Limit turnovers.
The Crusaders understand they cannot afford to give opponents extra possessions.
Taking care of the football will be especially important as several younger players assume larger offensive roles.
If Rutkoski continues developing, the offensive line matures and the skill players create explosive plays, Holy Cross has the potential to become a much more balanced offense than it was a year ago.
Secondary Returns Valuable Experience
The greatest strength of the defense resides in the secondary.
Holy Cross returns nearly its entire defensive backfield, giving the Crusaders experience where many teams have questions.
Senior linebacker Noah Davis provides leadership in the middle of the defense, while junior Luca Berardi, junior Chris Transue and sophomore Chase Rutkoski all return in the secondary.
That continuity should allow the Crusaders to communicate more effectively and reduce coverage breakdowns.
The coaching staff believes the secondary has the potential to become one of the team’s biggest strengths.
Their ability to eliminate explosive passing plays will be critical.
Rebuilding the Front Seven
The biggest defensive challenge is replacing several outstanding three-year starters in the front seven.
Graduation claimed a large portion of Holy Cross’ defensive production, leaving significant opportunities for younger players.
Sansone returns at defensive tackle to anchor the defensive line.
At 6-foot-1 and 255 pounds, he gives the Crusaders an experienced interior presence capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
Davis also returns as the veteran leader at linebacker.
The coaching staff hopes several younger defenders quickly emerge to complement the returning veterans.
Replacing experience is never easy, but meaningful varsity repetitions should accelerate the development process.
Eliminating Big Plays Will Define Defensive Success
The defensive philosophy is simple.
Force opponents to execute long drives.
Limit explosive plays.
Create turnovers.
Holy Cross understands giving up big plays made winning difficult last season.
The Crusaders want offenses to earn every yard instead of producing quick scores.
Generating takeaways will also be a major emphasis.
Winning the turnover battle often changes games, especially for developing football teams.
If Holy Cross consistently creates extra possessions while limiting explosive plays, the defense should show measurable improvement throughout the season.
Players to Watch
Chase Rutkoski, So., QB/CB: Second-year starting quarterback expected to take a major step forward after throwing for 705 yards and gaining valuable varsity experience as a freshman.
Luca Berardi, Jr., WR/S: Returning top receiver after posting 15 receptions for 230 yards while also anchoring the secondary.
Vinnie Sansone, Jr., OT/DT: Experienced two-way lineman who will anchor both the offensive and defensive fronts.
Matt Dick, Jr., C: Returning center expected to lead a rebuilt offensive line.
Noah Davis, Sr., LB: Veteran linebacker and defensive leader whose experience will be critical for a young front seven.
Chris Transue, Jr., RB/CB: Explosive athlete expected to assume a much larger role on offense after averaging more than 10 yards per carry last season while also contributing in the secondary.
My thoughts on Holy Cross
Holy Cross enters the 2026 season with a young but intriguing roster.
The Crusaders must replace a significant amount of production, including a 1,000-yard running back and several veteran leaders along both lines of scrimmage.
At the same time, the program returns an experienced young quarterback, a proven receiver and an athletic secondary capable of becoming one of the team’s greatest strengths.
Rutkoski’s continued development will be the biggest storyline throughout the season.
If he continues progressing, the rebuilt offensive line matures quickly and the Crusaders successfully replace their departed rushing production, the offense should become much more productive.
Defensively, limiting big plays and creating turnovers will determine whether Holy Cross can consistently compete in the Lackawanna Football Conference.
While the roster remains young, the experience gained by last year’s underclassmen provides optimism for the future.
If the Crusaders improve week after week and establish consistency on both sides of the football, Holy Cross has the opportunity to surprise opponents and lay the foundation for sustained success in the seasons ahead.
Head Coach: Joe Giorgio
Assistant Coaches:
Gene Pane
Jake Gatto
Jake Wiercinski
Brady Rutkoski
Rob Rucker
Mike Giorgio
Team Name: Holy Cross Crusaders
District: 2
Class: 1A
League: Lackawanna Football Conference, Division 3
2025 Record: 3-8
8/29 @ Lakeland (2A) 7:00 pm L 6-53
9/06 Hanover Area (3A) 1:00 pm L 0-47
9/12 @ Carbondale Area* (3A) 7:00 pm L 15-45
9/20 Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech (4A) 1:00 pm W 54-22
9/27 Holy Redeemer (2A) 1:00 pm W 44-38
10/03 @ Riverside (2)* (2A) 7:00 pm L 6-58
10/11 Old Forge* (1A) 1:00 pm L 6-20
10/17 @ Lackawanna Trail* (1A) 7:00 pm L 12-53
10/25 Susquehanna Community* (2A) 1:00 pm L 20-21
10/31 @ Upper Dauphin (2A) 7:00 pm L 20-42 Eastern Conference Class A/2A
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 @ Lakeland (2A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Riverside (2) (2A) 7:00 pm
9/12 Dunmore (2A) 1:00 pm
9/19 Montrose Area* (3A) 1:00 pm
9/26 @ Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech (4A) 12:00 pm
10/03 @ Holy Redeemer (2A) 7:00 pm
10/10 Carbondale Area* (4A) 1:00 pm
10/17 Lackawanna Trail* (1A) 1:00 pm
10/23 @ Old Forge* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/31 Susquehanna Community* (2A) 1:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
RB/LB Kevin Vincent
FB/LB Leland Wudarski
OG/DE Gregg Novak
OT/DT Branden Fadl
RB/CB Aiden Wudarski
RB/CB Henry Chilewski
WR/LB Jonathan Mills
TE/DE Simon Madore
Offensive Starters Returning:
JR. OT Vinnie Sansone, 6-1 255
JR. WR Luca Berardi, 6’0 170
JR. C Matt Dick, 6’1 235
SO. QB Chase Rutkoski, 6’0 170
Defensive Starters Returning:
SR. LB Noah Davis, 5’9 165
JR. CB Chris Transue
JR. S Luca Berardi, 6’0 170
SO. CB Chase Rutkoski, 6’0 170
JR. DT Vinnie Sansone, 6’1 255
Key Newcomers:
JR. OT/DT Christian Novak, 6’0 200
SR. WR/DB JJ Concepcion, 5’10 175
FR. OG Joel Patino, 5’9 175
JR. WR/DB John Blackledge, 5’10 145
JR. WR/DB Mike Koval, 5’9 155
JR. TE/DE Tyler Kohut, 6’1 185
SO. OG/LB Ryan Rucker 5’11 210
SO. WR/DB Riley Gardner, 6’3 180
2026 Returning Player Stats:
QB Chase Rutkoski 123-52 705 4-13
17 Carries 25 Yards 2 TDS
QB Tyler Kohut 14-6 50 0-1
2 Receptions 4 Yards
WR Luca Berardi 15-230
RB Chris Transue 8 Carries 86 Yards 1 TD
2026 Offensive Outlook: We have some key skilled personnel back but need to replace a lot upfront as well as 1,000 yard rusher Kevin Vincent. Hopefully we can improve each week and stay away from turning the ball over. QB Chase Rutkoski started as a freshman and is progressing nicely heading into his sophomore season and he’s being counted on to lead the offense.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We must replace several three year starters in the front seven but have our returning secondary intact. Have to eliminate the big play and be able to create turnovers to be successful.