Main Story

Five-star receiver Easton Royal powered Brother Martin past Holy Cross, 27-14, with a career-best night as a runner. After Holy Cross jumped out to a 14-0 lead, Royal scored four touchdowns—including a kickoff return—and his late 32-yard run sealed the win. Brother Martin leaned on him in the backfield because opposing defenses were double- and triple-teaming him as a receiver.

By the Numbers
  • Royal: 16 carries, 165 yards and 4 touchdowns.
  • Brother Martin: 27 points; Holy Cross: 14.
  • Brother Martin held Holy Cross scoreless over the final 3 quarters.
Yes, But

Holy Cross controlled the opening stretch, scoring on its first two drives and taking a 14-0 lead. The Tigers also had a chance to break the late tie, but a low snap disrupted a field-goal attempt; interceptions by Grant Guilbeau and Luca Cantanzero helped Brother Martin keep them off the scoreboard the rest of the way.

State of Play
  • Brother Martin improved to 7-3 overall and 4-3 in District 9-5A.
  • Holy Cross fell to 3-7 overall and 1-6 in district play.
  • Royal said he is willing to keep playing in the backfield through the playoffs.
What's Next

The LHSAA bracket release is scheduled for Sunday, setting the playoff matchups. Brother Martin’s coaches may continue using Royal as a runner to get the ball to their top playmaker and give the offense another dimension.

Bottom Line

Royal’s versatility turned a 14-point deficit into a Brother Martin win—and showed how a star receiver can change a game when defenses take away his usual role.