Brother Martin Routs Holy Cross 27-14
Easton Royal scores four touchdowns as Brother Martin's defense posts a shutout over the final three quarters.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
Brother Martin defeated Holy Cross 27-14 on Friday at Tad Gormely Stadium. Easton Royal rushed 16 times for 165 yards and scored four touchdowns, while Holy Cross led 14-0 after two opening drives.
Why it matters
The win positions Brother Martin strongly heading into the LHSAA playoffs, while Holy Cross's loss puts its postseason path in question. Royal's performance showed how the Crusaders' offense can overcome a defensive focus on one playmaker.
Easton Royal rushed 16 times for 165 yards and four touchdowns, while Brother Martin's defense held Holy Cross scoreless over the final three quarters. The projected No. 8 seed and first-round bye remain subject to Sunday's LHSAA bracket release.
The players
Brother Martin
A Catholic high school in New Orleans with a long-standing football program that competes in the LHSAA.
Holy Cross
A Catholic high school in New Orleans whose football program is a longtime rival of Brother Martin.
The details
Brother Martin lined Royal up in the backfield to take read-option handoffs from Justin Morgan after Holy Cross planned to double- and triple-team him. Royal's first touchdown came on a kickoff return, and Luca Cantanzero's interception set up a 13-play drive capped by Royal's 8-yard run.
Timeline
Friday: Brother Martin defeated Holy Cross 27-14 at Tad Gormely Stadium.
Sunday: LHSAA playoff brackets are scheduled to be announced.
Season Trajectory
The result shapes the LHSAA playoff picture, where Brother Martin's projected No. 8 seed would earn a first-round bye while Holy Cross is likely to open on the road. Sunday's bracket announcement will determine how this regular-season result translates into postseason matchups.
Brother Martin's projected first-round bye would give it an extra week to rest before the playoffs begin. Holy Cross's likely road opener means its postseason path will require traveling for its first game.
The takeaway
Strong defense and a versatile running back can carry a team through a rivalry game and set up a favorable playoff position. Sunday's bracket release will show how much this result matters for both programs.
What happens next
LHSAA playoff brackets will be announced Sunday, determining Brother Martin's seed and Holy Cross's opening-round opponent.
Further reading
For more local coverage, explore Football news from across the area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NOLA.
