All In, All Over Again
Previewing Holy Cross Football 2025
by Jacob Bermudez, Class of 2025 on August 22, 2025
The Holy Cross Knights are coming off their best season in school history, finishing 2024 at 13-1 overall and 5-0 in district play. Along the way, they notched several statement wins — a dominant Week 1 victory over Antonian (51-21), a Holy Bowl classic against Central Catholic (35-17), and a definitive upset over defending Division IV state champion Dallas First Baptist Academy (34-14). The Knights averaged 45.4 points per game on offense while allowing just 9.3 across 14 games. That dominance carried into the postseason, where they outscored their first three playoff opponents by a combined 160-34 before falling just short in the TAPPS Division III State Championship, 18-21, against Dallas Christian.
Now, as the 2025 season kicks off, Holy Cross will take the field with a much different look after graduating 18 seniors, 14 of them starters. With a younger core stepping into key roles, the Knights’ offseason has focused on building confidence and reinforcing the program’s culture.
As the season opener approaches, Head Coach Mike Harrison shared his thoughts on how this team is shaping up, what identity he wants to establish from Week 1, and the aspects of the team that excite him most.
"You lost a lot of key seniors from last year’s group — how well have you seen younger players step into those roles so far?"
Coach Harrison: “Last year’s group definitely accomplished so much and made school history. What we have stressed to this year’s group is that this is a new season that is theirs to make out of it what they will. I like their work ethic, especially in the weight room, and there is definitely some talent there as well. Right now, the inexperience is showing up, and the only cure for that is to get on the field and face some tough opponents. I am truly interested to see how they handle the challenges ahead of them.”
"With a fresh season ahead, what’s the main identity you want this year’s team to have from Week 1?"
Coach Harrison: “I want to see the same identity that has made Holy Cross football successful, and that is tough, physical defense; strong offense that protects the ball and takes advantage of the opportunities they have; and a solid special teams. We have a long way to go, but I truly believe that these young men want to uphold the standard set for them.”
"When you look at the path ahead, what excites you most about this team’s potential?"
Coach Harrison: “Their work ethic is among the best I have coached. Coming off the state track championship, I am hoping to transfer that speed to the football field. I am most excited to see their response to adversity and the challenges they will face.”
“I noticed at Midnight Madness, some coaches had a shirt that read 'just us' on the back. What does it mean to the team and the mentality they carry this season?”
Coach Harrison: “This is our slogan for 2025 - Just Us. Ultimately, we control our attitude, our work ethic, and our effort - no one else. The capital U and S represent upholding the standard that those who came before us established - commitment to excellence in anything we attempt, the promise that we will represent Holy Cross with pride and dedication that shows our love and passion for our school, and finally, to compete in all that we do, give every last ounce of ourselves in a worthy cause. The Spes Unica symbol in the middle reminds us of our Holy Cross roots and connection—spes unica is Latin for “the cross, our only hope”. It represents our faith and commitment to our school.”
While Coach Harrison oversees the team’s overall growth and vision, much of that leadership comes from the players themselves. Senior ATH John JJ Acosta, embracing a key leadership role, shared how he’s guiding the younger players, carrying lessons from last season, and helping define the team culture for 2025.
"What’s one lesson from last season that you’ve brought into your leadership role this year?"
JJ: “One really valuable lesson I’ve learned from last season is to never take anything for granted. Time is such a valuable thing, and in the blink of an eye, the season is already over, so I try to encourage the guys to work hard and make the best out of every day because one day it will all be over. I think this lesson especially has an impact on us seniors.”
"As a senior and leader on this team, how are you helping to shape the culture for the new guys stepping into varsity roles?"
JJ: “I remember how when I was an Underclassmen playing varsity, I struggled a lot and the upperclassmen always had my back and taught me ways to get better and so I really try to do the same for those new guys stepping into varsity roles since I have been in their position and I know how it feels, I especially try to help them with the mental side of the game.”
"When people talk about the 2025 Holy Cross Knights years from now, what do you want them to remember about this team?"
JJ: “I hope that they will remember that we overcame all the obstacles thrown at us and we finished the job. State Champions. This is the goal. But in order to reach this goal, we have to take it game by game and stay humble and hard-working.”
The 2025 Knights may not look like last year’s record-breaking squad on paper, but the standard they’re chasing remains the same. With a new group of players entering the spotlight, the program’s foundation of faith, grit, and togetherness will be tested from the very start. Whether it’s “just us” in the locker room or the larger Holy Cross community behind them, this season will be defined by how this team responds when the lights come on.
And with Antonian waiting in Week 1, Holy Cross will have its first chance to show how ready they are to carry out this standard when they kick off the season, August 29, on West Ave.