The Notre Dame Crusaders delivered a dominant performance Friday night, defeating Palisades 56-7.

Notre Dame wasted no time in asserting control, scoring on their first drive of the game. Matt Bodnar connected with Carmine Diaz for a 2-yard touchdown pass, and kicker Mark Talpas added the extra point to give the Crusaders a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Jon Striba extended the lead with an 8-yard touchdown run, again with Talpas converting the extra point. Palisades managed to respond with a touchdown of their own to narrow the deficit to 14-7, but the Crusaders’ defense quickly swung the momentum back in their favor. Christian Rivituso intercepted a pass and returned it 7 yards for a touchdown, widening the lead to 21-7. Shortly after, Bodnar found Striba again, this time for a 31-yard touchdown pass, putting Notre Dame firmly in control with a 28-7 advantage going into halftime.

The Crusaders didn’t let up in the second half. Aaron Gordon powered in for a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, followed by a 2-yard rushing touchdown from Drew Boyd, increasing the lead to 42-7. With the game firmly in hand, Notre Dame continued to pour it on in the fourth quarter. Bodnar connected with Boyd for a 6-yard touchdown pass, and Tommy Murphy capped off the night with an 18-yard touchdown run, bringing the final score to 56-7.

Bodnar had an outstanding game, throwing for 363 yards and three touchdowns, completing 20 of his 34 pass attempts. Striba was one of his key targets, hauling in three receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, while Gordon contributed with 61 rushing yards and a touchdown. Boyd had a standout night as well, scoring two touchdowns—one on the ground and one through the air.

On the defensive side, Josh Scherer led the team with six tackles, while Nick Morici Jr. and Kellen Binstead each contributed key tackles for loss, stifling Palisades’ offensive efforts. Talpas was perfect in the kicking game, converting all eight of his extra point attempts.