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.

On a special homecoming night, the Notre Dame Crusaders put on a show, shutting out Palmerton 52-0 in a dominant performance.

The scoring began in the first quarter when sophomore Jon Striba broke free for a 19-yard touchdown run, with senior Mark Talpas adding the extra point to put the Crusaders up 7-0. Shortly after, junior Matt Bodnar found sophomore Nyechay Lawless for a 7-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0 by the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, Notre Dame continued to pour it on. Sophomore Aaron Gordon powered in from 1 yard out for a score, followed by a 37-yard touchdown reception by senior Carmine Diaz on a perfectly placed pass from Bodnar. Just before halftime, Bodnar delivered a deep 41-yard strike to senior Nino Morici Jr. for another touchdown, pushing the lead to 35-0. Talpas capped off the first-half scoring with a 32-yard field goal, sending the Crusaders into the locker room up 38-0.

The dominance continued in the third quarter as Bodnar connected with Striba on a 70-yard touchdown pass, adding to an already stellar night for the quarterback. Aaron Gordon then added his second rushing touchdown of the game, breaking loose for a 20-yard score to increase the lead to 52-0. Notre Dame’s defense held firm in the fourth quarter, keeping Palmerton off the scoreboard to secure the shutout victory.

Bodnar was outstanding, throwing for 425 yards and four touchdowns, completing 29 of his 38 passes. Striba was one of his main targets, finishing with 114 receiving yards and a touchdown, while also contributing a rushing score. Diaz added 101 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Gordon rushed for 63 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Nino Morici led the way with six tackles, while senior Christian Rivituso added 13 total tackles (5 solo, 8 assisted). 

Kicker Mark Talpas was perfect on the night, hitting all seven of his extra point attempts and adding a 32-yard field goal for a total of 10 points.

Notre Dame Green Pond stormed past Pen Argyl Saturday afternoon, securing a decisive 42-15 victory. Quarterback Matt Bodnar showcased his arm, throwing for an impressive 446 yards and five touchdowns, as the Crusaders dominated from start to finish.

Notre Dame wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the first quarter. Bodnar connected with Carmine Diaz for a 15-yard touchdown pass, followed by two deep strikes to Alex Clark—one for 70 yards and another for 81 yards—giving the Crusaders a commanding 21-0 lead by the end of the opening quarter.

The attack continued in the second quarter when Bodnar found CJ Diaz for a 76-yard touchdown, stretching Notre Dame’s lead to 28-0 heading into halftime.

Pen Argyl managed to break through in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns, but it was too little, too late. Notre Dame’s Jonathan Striba added to the Crusaders’ tally with a 39-yard touchdown run and a 19-yard touchdown reception, sealing the victory.

Alex Clark led all receivers with 163 yards and two touchdowns on just three catches, while both Carmine and CJ Diaz contributed with touchdown receptions of their own. On defense, Kalet Wilson recorded 10 tackles and Christian Rivituso was a force with 10 solo tackles and 12 assists, including a tackle for loss. Kicker Mark Talpas was perfect on the day, converting all six extra points.

Notre Dame return back in action on Friday at Palisades.

In a stellar Senior Night performance, Notre Dame cruised to a 49-19 victory over Northern Lehigh Friday night. Junior Matt Bodnar had a standout game, leading the team with 419 passing yards and four touchdowns.

The Crusaders opened the scoring early in the first quarter, as Bodnar found Senior Carmine Diaz for a 22-yard touchdown. Kicker Mark Talpas added the extra point, making it 7-0.

Notre Dame extended their lead in the second quarter. Diaz caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Bodnar, followed by an explosive 79-yard touchdown catch by Junior Alex Clark. By halftime, Notre Dame was firmly in control with a 21-0 lead.

Bodnar continued in the third quarter, throwing a 38-yard strike to Diaz for his third touchdown of the night. Sophomore Jon Striba powered through Northern Lehigh's defense for a 1-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 35-6 by the end of the third quarter.

In the final quarter, Sophomore Jason Frederick added a 9-yard rushing touchdown, and freshman Tommy Murphy capped the night with a 14-yard scoring run. Despite Northern Lehigh scoring two late touchdowns, Notre Dame's dominance was never in doubt, as they finished the night 49-19.

Diaz had eight receptions for 161 yards and three touchdowns, while Clark added three catches for 103 yards, including his long 79-yard score. Striba contributed both on the ground and through the air, with 56 rushing yards and six receptions for 67 yards.

Defensively, Christian Rivituso led the Crusaders with nine tackles and two tackles for loss. Junior Kalet Wilson added seven tackles, and Junior Brett Bruckman contributed four tackles, two assists, and a sack. freshman Joey Mastrofilippo and senior Nino Morici also made key contributions on defense, with Mastrofilippo recording five tackles and an assist, while Morici added four tackles, three assists, and a tackle for loss to help stifle Northern Lehigh's offense.

Kicker Mark Talpas was perfect on the night, going 7-for-7 on extra points to round out Notre Dame's scoring.

The Notre Dame Crusaders secured a 24-7 victory over Saucon Valley on Friday night at home, overcoming a slow start to dominate the second half. 

The first half was characterized by a sluggish start from Notre Dame, managing just a field goal to trail 7-3 at the break. Saucon Valley's defense held strong early, but the Crusaders came out firing in the third quarter. The momentum shifted when junior Kalet Wilson forced a fumble, allowing fellow junior Brett Bruckman to recover it and return it 39 yards for a touchdown, turning the game in Notre Dame’s favor.

In the fourth quarter, the Crusaders sealed the win with two touchdowns, capitalizing on their dominant ground and air attack. Junior Matt Bodnar finished with 218 passing yards, completing 24 of 37 attempts with one touchdown and one interception. Bodnar’s longest completion of the night came on a 28-yard pass to senior Carmine Diaz, who had three receptions for 43 yards.

Sophomore Jon Striba contributed significantly, rushing for 53 yards on 10 carries, including a 22-yard touchdown. Striba was also effective in the passing game, adding five catches for 40 yards.

Notre Dame's defense was the backbone of their second-half resurgence. Senior Christian Rivituso, who was later named the game's MVP, led the defense with a game-high 12 tackles. Junior Kalet Wilson had 9 total tackles, including two sacks and two tackles for loss. Sophomore Josh Scherer and junior Austin Casal also put on strong performances, each registering a sack and a tackle for loss, as the Crusaders' front line wreaked havoc in the Saucon Valley backfield.

The win moves the Crusaders to 3-1 on the season as they look to carry their second-half dominance into this week’s matchup at Catasauqua.

Notre Dame dominated Salisbury in a lopsided 56-0 victory, showcasing a powerful offensive performance and a stifling defense.

Quarterback Matt Bodnar led the charge through the air, completing 21 of 27 passes for 313 yards and 4 touchdowns, with a long of 46 yards. His precision kept the Salisbury defense on its heels throughout the game.

On the ground, Notre Dame's rushing attack was equally impressive. Sophomore Jason Frederick led the way with 43 yards on just 3 carries, scoring 2 touchdowns, including a 25-yard burst. Freshman Tommy Murphy had his debut adding 34 yards and a 30-yard touchdown on 2 carries, while sophomore Jon Striba contributed 22 yards on 2 carries, including a 19-yard touchdown. Sophomore Aaron Gordon and Bodnar also chipped in with 37 and 19 rushing yards.

The receiving core had a standout day, with Striba hauling in 7 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown, including a 36-yard grab. Senior Carmine Diaz was unstoppable, catching 3 passes for 80 yards and 3 touchdowns, with a long of 46 yards. Junior Alex Clark added 47 yards on 2 receptions, and sophomore Nyechay Lawless contributed 44 yards on 3 catches. Sophomore CJ Diaz rounded out the receiving with a 27-yard catch.

Defensively, senior Christian Rivituso led the team with 5 tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss. Juniors Kellen Binstead and Kalet Wilson each added 3 tackles and 2 assists, with Wilson also recording a tackle for loss.

Notre Dame’s performance on both sides of the ball left no doubt as they cruised to a decisive victory over Salisbury.

The Notre Dame Crusaders football team opened the season on a winning note with a 71-64 victory vs. Garden Spot Friday night.

Junior Matt Bodnar completed 37 of 49 passes for 604 yards setting numerous school records in completions, attempts, yards, pass TDs, and overall TDs. The junior had one touchdown himself and distributed the ball to seven different receivers: Jon Striba, Carmine Diaz, CJ Diaz, Nino Morici, Cody Driscoll, Drew Boyd and John Hull. 

Sophomore Jon Striba (134) and senior Carmine Diaz (124) combined over 250 yards.

Junior Kalet Wilson tallied 11 tackles leading the way for the Crusaders. Senior Christian Rivituso also recorded 10 tackles. 

Senior Mark Talpas was 9 for 9 in PATs.

The Crusaders will return to action Friday night vs. Salisbury.

Photo Courtesy of Luke at dolo.visuals