Spring Game site changed site

Nearly two inches of rain fell in Worcester yesterday, and total precipitation from Jan 1 through yesterday is almost twice the average amount. 

I’m absolutely amazed that nothing has been posted.

Well, you can read about our opponents. Check out the writeup on the URI Spring game.

www.instagram.com/reel/C5uJUoexxKp/?igsh=ZGxnZ3A5ZnZweW9r

Petersen great TD catch. There’s pics and clips on Twitter and IG. Getting posts up on social is rightfully a bigger priority for clicks and traffic v the HC website.

Kevin Stone gave a pretty glowing review of the Spring Game yesterday in the NEFJ.....behind a paywall.....lauded Pesansky and the O-Line as well as many on D

Here you go


Home / College / Holy Cross Crusaders / 7 Observations from the Holy Cross spring game
7 Observations from the Holy Cross spring game

Posted By Kevin Stone on April 14, 2024



WORCESTER – It’s a brand new era for the Holy Cross football program, but it really doesn’t feel all that different.

New head coach Dan Curran and the rest of the program had its annual spring game out behind the Luth Athletic Center on a breezy New England Saturday, and while it was more of a celebration than an actual practice or game, there were still some key takeaways as the team heads into summer offseason workouts.

Here are seven things that stood out from a fun day in Worcester…

1. Strong leadership core – Prior to the start of the game/practice, the Crusaders announced their captains for the 2024 season. QB Joe Pesansky, linebacker Frankie Monte, free safety Curtis Harris-Lopez, running back Jordan Fuller and offensive lineman Christo Kelly are tasked with leading the program into the Curran era while also chasing a mind-boggling sixth straight Patriot League title. All of these guys have plenty of experience and have watched guys above them lead. Chisom Onwuzurigbo was also given the No. 17 jersey, which is a significant number in the program’s history and given to those that best represent the program. Needless to say, this team is still in very good hands with the leadership it has in the locker room.

2. Pesansky looks ready to take over – If you’re building a quarterback, Pesansky has everything you need. Big, good arm, accurate, great leadership. Most importantly, he’s led by action throughout his career as the backup. In a day where hopping in the transfer portal is the norm when a kid doesn’t like his playing time, Pesansky has done the opposite and stuck it out as the backup behind Matt Sluka. Last year, he proved to his teammates – even though they all believed in him because of his daily work ethic – he showed he can be counted on in huge moments. Now, as ‘the guy’ it’s clear he’s ready. Whether it was getting guys together on the sideline or simply getting in and out of the huddle, he has complete command.

3. O-line will still be a strength – As usual, this team is big and stout up front. Kelly, Sr. Cam McNair, 5th year Declan McCauley, Jr. Joe Metzger and classmate Cam Nolan not only have size, but experience. The continuity with this group is already there and with Pesansky under center the lines of communication have been open since the start of camp. The transition period to a new offense and ‘new’ QB could be a daunting task for many teams, but the guys up front are going to make Pesansky’s life much easier. This group was also impressive in the run game on Saturday too, something that’s been a staple at Holy Cross seemingly forever.

4. Tight ends should have a larger role and receivers are legit – If you watched Dan Curran’s Merrimack teams over the years, you know how much he loves having the tight ends involved in the passing game. Holy Cross was more of a RB/WR team under Chesney when it came to showcasing skill guys, so it’ll be interesting to see how much that group is used. Senior Jacob Petersen had a sick leaping TD grab in double coverage on Saturday and could be a major factor on offense. As far as the receivers, speed, size, agility, they have it all. Justin Shorter, Byron Shipman, Matt Brunelle, Blake Youngblood and Max Mosey all stand out and should all help fill the massive hole left by Jalen Coker when it comes to production.

5. Who replaces Jacob Dobbs? – It’s pretty much impossible to replace what Dobbs meant to the program off the field as far as leadership by example and just being a fantastic human day in and day out, but on the field it’s going to be even harder. Dobbs was a QB on defense and was basically another coach on the field. Sophomore Drew Spinogatti (wearing No. 54) is quite a presence standing at MLB, but it’s probably going to be a bit of a committe approach when it comes to filling that production. Of course as a captain Monte will be leaned on heavily. That’s going to be an interesting position to watch throughout camp.

6. The brotherhood is real – Teams often talk about the love they have for each other, but it’s so real with Holy Cross. The team had a banquet on Saturday morning to celebrate 2023 and while they didn’t have to, what looked like a dozen or more guys stuck around all day for the game and were down on the sideline cheering their now former teammates on. Sluka and future NFL Draft picks in two weeks CJ Hanson and Jalen Coker were just a few of the names still on hand. Even Liam Anderson – who’s made a name for himself with the Indianapolis Colts – was there showing his support. The brotherhood with Holy Cross is very, very real.

7. Savage’s special moment closes out the spring – A fantastic tradition that Holy Cross has carried on for a while now capped off what was a great day in Worcester. Team Impact member Jack Savage – was led into the end zone with the team cheering him on and then celebrating – scored a touchdown on the final play of the spring season. If you’ve ever had a chance to spend time around the program over the years, they certainly aren’t the only ones to partner up with Team Impact, but it’s extremely touching to see college guys become little kids again when celebrating Savage and just highlights how special the program’s closeness is.






Posted in College, Holy Cross Cr

Home / College / Rhode Island / 7 observations from URI spring game
7 observations from URI spring game

Posted By Adam Kurkjian on April 13, 2024



By Tony Catalina

NEFJ Correspondent

It was a cold and rainy day in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, but it didn’t stop what was a productive spring game for the Rams. Coach Jim Fleming and staff expect to have a good roster that can compete for a CAA crown this season, and Saturday provided glimpses of why they feel that way.

Here at seven observations from URI’s spring game:

The defense is ahead of the offense by a good margin right now. While the offense certainly had its moments, especially in the run game, the defense was flying around the football and was physical all afternoon. This looked like a unit that is playing with confidence, and provided consistent pass rush throughout the day.

There is definitely a quarterback competition, but Fleming seems pleased with both Devin Farrell and Hunter Helms. While it has not been decided, and some believe Helms is in the pole position as a senior transfer from Clemson, it was Farrell who started the game between the two. This will be a camp matchup that will get a ton of attention, and justifiably so. Both played well and are giving this staff a lot to think about.

The best player on the field Saturday was RB Jaden Griffin. The redshirt sophomore was electric every time he touched the ball and had over 100 yards in the first quarter alone, before capping off two touchdowns in the first half. This is a team that has liked to throw the football around in recent years, but the feeling around the team in 2024 is that the running game will be more of a focal point. With Griffin toting the rock, Rhody is in good hands.

WR Marquis Buchanan flashed. Dawning No. 1 rather than his old No. 14, Buchanan surely played like a number one receiver on Saturday. The big, physical wideout was a reliable target that seemed to make a big play every time the ball came his way. It was Buchanan’s touchdown in the back corner of the end zone that effectively ended the game as Fleming rallied his team at center field following a point after try, which ensued in the team erupting in cheer. Buchanan should be a big factor in 2024 for the Rams.

Left tackle Jacob Otts looked good, and was a leader on the field. Holding down the blind side is no easy task, especially in the CAA with a wide array of quality pass rushers, but the Rams should feel comfortable with Otts’ manning the spot. He looked athletic, showed good movement, and had a solid anchor in his pass sets. In addition he seemed to be the guy the team listened to when it was time to lock in, serving as quality leadership for the offensive unit that will look much different this season.

Attention to detail is evident. Coach Fleming and staff run a tight ship, but with a QB battle under way it’s clear that they’re expecting more from the rest of their program as they try and figure out what 2024 is going to look like. They are expecting more from their pass catchers, more of an emphasis the running game, and a defense that is expected to elevate their game as the Rams look to be real players this season.

The team is good and is expected to get more help from the transfer portal. Coach Fleming mentioned that he learned a lot about his team’s competitive spirit this spring and more of that will be tested as he alludes to more talent possibly coming by way of the portal. Just who and when remains to be seen, but this a good program that expects to compete in 2024, and the pursuit of talent to help is nonstop for Fleming and his staff.

Posted in College, Rhode Island Tagged Rhode Island, Spring Game

Home / College / Harvard / 5 Observations from Harvard spring ball
5 Observations from Harvard spring ball

Posted By Kevin Stone on April 7, 2024



CAMBRIDGE – The Andrew Aurich era has been officially underway for about a week now in Cambridge.

Harvard opened spring ball last week and we swung by historic Harvard Stadium on Saturday morning for our latest spring visit. The Crimson are calling it ‘Scrimmage Saturday’ and there was a lot to like as the program gets adjusted to life without Tim Murphy for the first time in 30 years.

Here’s five things that stood out during the two hour session on a chilly morning…

1. Big up front (as usual)

O-line and D-line are always a strength for Harvard and this year should be no different. I was impressed with the size on both sides, particularly on the O-line for the Crimson. Junior Carter Daly really stood out, he’s listed at 6’6,” 280lbs. Sophomore Spencer Down (6’7,” 260lbs.) did too. Senior Austin Gentile, junior Aidan Kilstrom (great football name), junior Derek Osman, senior Mike Entwistle and junior Max Bowman should do most of the damage, but this is a very deep room. On defense, senior Brandon Svets, sophomore Jack Crowley and classmates Josh Fedd and Jake Darling looked formidable. The competition up front on both sides should benefit everyone.

2. Good receivers and tight ends

Scott Woods II was all over the place on Saturday. Woods II had a leaping TD grab in some early 7-on-7 before catching a 40-ish yard TD during the scrimmage on a dime from Jaden Craig. Even when he wasn’t getting the ball, he was usually open. Junior Dean Boyd, senior tight end Justin Leszynski, classmate Ledger Thatch and junior Cooper Barkate make up arguably the deepest pass-catching group in the Ivy League with others behind them on the depth chart making a push for playing time.

3. QB competition should be a good one

Chares DePrima and Craig will battle it out throughout the spring and summer. Craig had some great TD throws to Woods II and senior tight end Scott Giuliano in the 7-on-7 period. DePrima also had a rushing TD in 7-on-7 and a passing TD to Leszynski. In the team period Craig found sophomore Dylan Almeyda for a 30 yard TD. The PAT from Sebastien Taco was no good, but he’d later hit two more PAT attempts. DePrima also threw an interception to sophomore linebacker Aaron McDonald. Following punt work Craig hit Woods II for their big connection. Another Craig drive ended in short Isaiah Abbey TD run. DePrima led a late drive that ended with a Xaviah Bascon TD run.

4. Nice one-two punch at RB

Those two guys (Bascon and Abbey) provide quite a dynamic one-two punch for the Crimson. Both ran extremely hard and also broke off some chunk runs. The most impressive run of the day came from junior Mekhi Moore, who bowled over defenders on a 15-ish yard stampede on another drive late in the team period. This is another deep room and could (should) add to the recent Harvard running back room legacy.

5. Not much has changed

Aside from a bit of a tempo change, not much was all that different. This looked and felt like the same Harvard team. Physicality up front, hard-running backs, athletic QB’s, talented receivers, stout D-line, athletic linebackers and good cover corners. It’s what you’d usually come to expect with a Crimson team looking to grab another share of the league title after last year’s multi-team crown. With Joel Lamb recently being (rightfully) named the Associate Head Coach/Director of Recruiting Strategy and Alumni Engagement and Scott Larkee being named Associate Head Coach, the transition should ultimately be fairly seamless. Other veteran coaches Mickey Fein (Assistant HC, OC & QB’s), Ryan Crawford (Assistant HC, DB’s) and Steven Williams (Assistant HC, STC, WR’s) should all provide a great sounding board opportunity for Aurich.

It’s not a rebuild for Harvard, it’s a reload.

Our interviews with Woods II and Aurich can be found at the NEFJ YouTube page.

click on to correct photo orientation of Fuller father and son and our 2024 captains. 

Coach Curran talks about Matt: