The Notre Dame Crusaders football team delivered an impressive performance on Saturday afternoon, securing a decisive 52-11 victory over Wilson. From the start, the Crusaders set a dominant tone and controlled the game on both sides of the ball. In the first quarter, Notre Dame jumped to an early lead with a 17-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful extra point to make it 7-0. Shortly after, a powerful 1-yard rushing touchdown extended the score to 14-0 by the end of the quarter.

Wilson briefly responded in the second quarter with a 38-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 14-3. However, the Crusaders quickly asserted their control, adding a 49-yard touchdown pass and a 3-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the score to 28-3. Notre Dame closed the half with a 31-yard field goal, heading into halftime with a commanding 31-3 lead.

The third quarter showcased Notre Dame's relentless pace, beginning with a thrilling 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that set the tone for the remainder of the game. The Crusaders continued to pile on with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a 3-yard touchdown pass that increased their advantage to 52-3. Despite the mounting pressure, Wilson managed to score once more in the fourth quarter on a 28-yard touchdown pass, converting for two additional points to bring the final score to 52-11.

Notre Dame's players delivered standout performances across the board. Quarterback Matt Bodnar led the aerial attack, completing 21 of 26 passes for 390 yards and two touchdowns, including a long 65-yard pass. Tommy Murphy also added another score, completing two out of his three attempts. On the ground, Aaron Gordon led the rushing game with 8 carries for 39 yards and two touchdowns. Carmine Diaz who achieved 1,000 yards this season was a star in the receiving corps, hauling in 9 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown. Jon Striba added another crucial score with a 49-yard catch, while Alex Clark also contributed a touchdown reception.

The defense played a significant role in containing Wilson’s offense, with notable contributions from Sammy Morici, Berkley Weidner, and Christian Rivituso, who combined for several tackles and tackles for loss. Special teams were flawless as well, with kicker Mark Talpas going 1-for-1 on field goals and 7-for-7 on PATs, adding 10 points to the Crusaders' total score. With this dominant win, Notre Dame displayed the depth and discipline of their team, promising strong performances in the games to come as they carry this momentum into their next matchup in the first round of District 11 championships.