Canisius High School finally overcame the hurdle of beating St. Francis, and did so in dominant fashion Saturday. The Crusaders topped the reigning three-time Monsignor Martin A Division champion in a 55-34 romp, notching their highest point total in a game since they scored 63 against St.
Joe’s in 2021. The win ended Canisius' five-game losing streak against the Red Raiders, and the Crusaders emerged victorious in the rivalry for the first time since 2021. Entering the game, St.
Francis (2-3) was No. 1 in The News’ large schools poll, and Canisius (3-2) was tied at No. 3 with Lancaster.
Players celebrated, coaches posed for pictures and people within the school’s administration took a breath as Canisius “finally got the monkey off its back,” as one Crusader athletic administrator put it. “I knew we were getting better, and I hope people understand that,” Canisius coach Kraig Kurzanski said. “I think because we play out of town so much, nobody gets to see us get better.
Hopefully other kids will see the excitement that we’re bringing and one day want to come to Canisius and keep this going.” Canisius runningback Elijah Kimble (0) falls into the endzone during the first quarter of a football game against St. Francis on Saturday, Oct.
5, 2024. (Joed Viera/Buffalo News) Once it was clear Canisius had the win sealed, Kurzanski's excitement to was on display. He squatted to low-five his players and hug them while others danced on the sideline to the multitude o.