Photos and story by Rick Pettine
December 3, 2021 – Villanova, PA — Nova held off a second half charge by the Holy Cross Crusaders to win a spot in the NCAA FCS Quarterfinal Playoffs.
The Wildcats dominated the first half with 2 Justin Covington (#1) touchdowns. A momentum swing occurred just before halftime when Villanova held Holy Cross on 4th down, but was called for running into the kicker, which gave the Crusaders a chance to get on the board with a field goal. The kick attempt was no good and the half ended with Nova up 14-0.
Holy Cross then came out strong in the second half and put up 10 points to tighten the game 14-10. Nova’s Jalen Jackson (#36) then scored from 14-yards out to end the 3rd 21-10.
But the Crusaders battled back with just over 6 mins left in the 4th, scoring a touchdown, but Nova’s Jared Nelson (#46) intercepted the 2-point conversation attempt. After an exchange of possessions and with 2 minutes left, Nova’s defense came up strong forcing a turnover on downs. The Wildcats would then run out the clock to hold on to a 21-16 victory, and advanced to the next round on Saturday against South Dakota State.
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