Back at the 426
Previewing Holy Cross' District Opener vs NBCA
by Jacob Bermudez ('25) on September 26, 2025
Launch the media gallery 1 playerAfter four straight games on the road, the Holy Cross Knights finally return home, and they couldn't have picked a better night to do it. Friday night marks homecoming night at The 426 and kicks off district play as the Knights (2-2) host the New Braunfels Christian Academy Wildcats (4-0).
Holy Cross enters this matchup with momentum. After dropping their first two games, the Knights bounced back with statement wins over Central Catholic and Weimar, showing they can win with both big plays and physical toughness. Sophomore quarterback Rocky Orozco has been at the center of all of it, accounting for 14 total touchdowns in four starts, while senior running back Taylor Flores has anchored the ground game with 545 rushing yards already this season. Add in weapons like senior athlete Julian “J.R.” Salas and sophomore athlete Crew Hudson, plus a defense that's been creating pressure and turnovers, and Holy Cross looks like a team finding its stride at just the right time.
NBCA, on the other hand, is undefeated at 4-0, though the competition has not tested them the way Holy Cross has been tested. The Wildcats have rolled through their first four opponents: Snook, St. Anthony, Somerset, and D’Hanis by a combined score of 170-42. On paper, Friday night will be one of their toughest matchups of the season.
The Wildcats are led by junior quarterback Brady Joseph, who threw for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns last season and has continued to impress with his arm. His top playmakers include ATH Barrett Thornhill, a versatile threat who can line up anywhere on offense, and Camden Pearson, a big red-zone target who’s stepped into a bigger role this season. Players like Jack Kahlig and Quincy Calder have taken over more of the backfield work.
While NBCA has speed and size at the skill positions, their offensive and defensive lines have shown weaknesses, which could play right into Holy Cross’s strengths. The Knights’ defensive front, with standouts like EJ Cuevas, Diego Fernandez, and Chris Ponce, has been disruptive all season, and the offense has leaned on its line to open lanes for Flores and give Orozco time to spread the ball around.
On paper, this matchup will tell us a lot about how this district race could play out. NBCA’s 4-0 start looks strong, but Holy Cross has already faced tough competition and come out sharper each week. The Knights’ balance on offense, toughness in the trenches, and steady improvement make them a dangerous team entering district play.
Now, with homecoming, their first home game of the season, and the 426 community packing the stands, the stage is set for another statement night. Holy Cross has battled through the road gauntlet. Now it’s time to see what they can do in front of their home crowd, back at the 426.
