Knights Fall Short vs. Antonian
by Jacob Bermudez ('25) on August 31, 2025
.jpg)
© 2025 Ali Meyer and Holy Cross of San Antonio
Holy Cross came up short Friday night in one of San Antonio’s most storied private school rivalries, falling to Antonian by a score of 20-27. The Knights fought to the end, but a handful of key second-half plays from the Apaches proved to be the difference.
From the opening kickoff, the game carried the intensity expected from a Holy Cross - Antonian matchup. The Apaches started the night scoring first on a 5-yard touchdown to go up 6-0. The Knights followed and took the lead after ‘28 QB Rocky Orozco hit ‘26 ATH Julian Salas for a 12-yard TD pass to give Holy Cross a 6-7 lead with 3 minutes left in the first quarter. Antonian would then answer with a touchdown of their own to go up 13-7 after the first quarter.
The second quarter saw little to no action until the Apaches scored again with 3 minutes left until halftime, extending their lead to 20-7. Holy Cross quickly responded when Rocky Orozco took off on a 30-yard touchdown run to bring their deficit down to 13-20 heading into halftime.
The Knights opened up the second half with a big response, tying the game at 20 apiece when Rocky Orozco found Julian Salas again for an 18-yard touchdown pass with 6 minutes left in the third.
The rest of the third quarter saw no scoring from either side, and the Apaches would take the lead back in the fourth quarter with 9 minutes left, going up 27-20. Despite multiple opportunities and good drives, the Knights weren't able to respond in the fourth and ultimately fell short with a final score of 20-27.
Despite the loss, 199 total rushing yards led by ‘26 RB Taylor Flores, and Rocky Orozco’s debut stood out as bright spots for the Knights. In Orozco’s first varsity start, he totaled over 100 passing yards, nearly 100 rushing yards, and accounted for three touchdowns. After the game, he reflected on what he learned from stepping into the spotlight for the first time.
“What did you learn about yourself from this first start that you’ll carry into next week?”
Rocky: “I learned how important leadership is, and staying calm on the big stage, focusing one play at a time.”
“Was there a moment during the game where you felt yourself settle in and get comfortable under the lights?”
Rocky: “After the first play, nerves started to settle down, but when I pulled a jet sweep and had a 15 yard run that’s when I felt instantly in the zone.”
“What gives you confidence that this team will respond the right way heading into week 2?”
Rocky: “Our drive and motivation to be better is unmatched, we’re willing to do whatever it takes to be the best. It was a tough loss but luckily none of us hung our heads low, we only came out of this week motivated to be better, and be more prepared for week 2.”
The Knights showed fight throughout this rivalry matchup, and their effort gives them plenty to build on as the season continues. Now, the attention shifts to Week 2, where Holy Cross will travel to face San Antonio Christian School on Friday night. Like the Knights, the Lions are also coming off a loss, setting the stage for a battle between two teams fighting to capture their first win. With the resilience shown in Week 1, Holy Cross enters Friday’s matchup determined to bounce back on the road.
