The 2019 Football Season, while overall very successful, initially got off to a rough start. In a surprise to everyone, head coach Joe Noonan took a new position at Saint John XXIII and handed the responsibility of the team over to Coaches Sam Williams and Chris Carpio. The sudden departure of Coach Noonan was a sad loss to both the team and coaching staff, presenting the first obstacle to overcome for the season. However, both Coaches received an unexpected blessing with the addition of a new coach, Coach BD Deady. With decades of experience under his belt, Coach Deady played a vital role in fostering the success experienced by the end of the season.
Despite this, however, the departure of Coach Noonan appeared to have some immediate impact on the team. Even after practicing diligently for weeks, the team began its season with an 0-2 start, falling to Sacred Heart Crosby first and then Elizabeth Ann Seaton second. The team did not quit, however, winning the next two games of the regular season against Saint Rose of Lima and Resurrection. These latter victories reignited the teams resolve and the Crusaders a playoff birth. With this final push, the team marched into the post-season with a playoff game against Sacred Heart Crosby. Unlike the first meeting, the team overcame Sacred Heart Crosby achieving something many believed they could not: playing in the Championship game with the season starting off 0-2 and without the leadership of Coach Noonan.
The Crusaders found themselves fighting once again against the SEAS Dolphins. Initially down, the crusaders made a comeback late in the game and were poised to take the win. SEAS, however, was able to score late in the game and appeared to take the title. However, the crusaders made a last-minute drive and marched down to the endzone. Despite their best efforts, however, the Crusaders ultimately fell to SEAS 22-21.
The season was an incredible one for the Crusaders and demonstrated the teams' resolve to fight through adversity early on and prove themselves worthy contenders in the GHCAA championship game.
The 2020 team is already fired up for the fall season and is committed to taking back the championship title with the return of several starting players from the seventh grade and newcomers that have played football outside of school.