Sat Sep 14 14:55:50 UTC 2024: ## Notre Dame Crusaders Rally Past Saucon Valley Panthers 24-7
**BETHLEHEM, PA** – The Notre Dame Crusaders overcame a sluggish first half to defeat the Saucon Valley Panthers 24-7 Friday night. The Crusaders trailed 7-3 at the half but rallied behind a big defensive play to secure the victory.
The game’s turning point came early in the third quarter. Junior linebacker Kalet Wilson sacked Saucon Valley quarterback Braden Rohn, forcing a fumble that was recovered by junior defensive end/linebacker Brett Bruckman. Bruckman returned the fumble 25 yards for a touchdown, giving Notre Dame a 10-7 lead.
“I knew my team really needed it,” Wilson said. “I got it done and we won the game.”
The Crusaders’ defense continued to shine throughout the second half, limiting the Panthers’ offense and setting up the offense for scoring drives.
Notre Dame added to their lead in the fourth quarter on a 4-yard touchdown pass from junior Matt Bodnar to sophomore Drew Boyd. The Crusaders then put the game away with a 4-yard touchdown run by sophomore Jonathan Striba with 3:35 left in the game.
“They played their hearts out,” Bodnar said of the defense. “They made my job easier, going out, putting up a 7-spot, scoring a defensive touchdown.”
Despite the loss, Saucon Valley head coach Anthony Brinkley praised the Crusaders’ second-half performance.
“They executed really well,” said Brinkley. “Their athletes made some pretty good plays.”
The win improved Notre Dame’s record to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the Colonial/Schuylkill League White Division. The Crusaders will travel to Catasauqua on Friday night.
Saucon Valley fell to 3-1 overall and 2-1 in the league’s White Division. The Panthers will host Wilson on Friday night.
First Piper 