Notre Dame’s big-play ability proved too much for Northern Lehigh on Friday night, as the Crusaders rolled to a 40-21 Colonial League victory.

The tone was set immediately when Jonathan Striba returned the opening kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown, putting ND on the board before the Bulldogs ran their first play. Faustie Capobianco followed with a 40-yard scoring run to quickly make it 13-0.

Quarterback Matt Bodnar added to the lead with a 13-yard touchdown strike to Alex Clark in the second quarter, while Drew Boyd electrified the crowd with a 14-yard punt return for a score. Northern Lehigh kept pace with three first-half rushing touchdowns, but the Crusaders carried a 26-21 advantage into halftime.

Notre Dame’s defense clamped down in the second half, holding the Bulldogs scoreless. Jason Frederick broke free for a 19-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and Capobianco sealed the win with a 50-yard burst to the end zone in the fourth.

Capobianco led the Crusaders with 99 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries. Bodnar completed 8 of 13 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown, with Striba hauling in five catches for 79 yards. On special teams, Striba’s kickoff return and Boyd’s punt return highlighted a momentum-swinging night.

Defensively, John Hull (14 tackles), Garrett Grants (9 tackles, 1 sack), and Capobianco (11 tackles) anchored a physical effort that limited Northern Lehigh despite the Bulldogs’ 72 offensive snaps.

The win improves Notre Dame to 6-0 on the season. The Crusaders will travel to Pen Argyl next Saturday for another key league matchup.