Dante Reno throws 5 touchdown passes, rallies Yale to 38-28 win over Holy Cross

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — Dante Reno showcased his passing prowess by tossing five touchdown passes, including two during a crucial fourth-quarter rally, as Yale claimed a 38-28 victory over Holy Cross in their season opener. The Bulldogs entered the game facing a Holy Cross team that had yet to score more than 10 points in any of their first three games.

Yale found itself trailing 28-21 in the early stages of the fourth quarter, but Reno's precision and timing paid off as he connected with Jaxton Santiago for an 18-yard touchdown, followed by a 28-yard strike to Graham Smith, and later Noah Piper's 25-yard field goal with just 1.5 minutes remaining. The game's offensive display was led by Dante Reno, who completed 30 of 43 passes for 454 yards, while Jaxton Santiago contributed significantly with 12 receptions for 234 yards.

Lucius Anderson added to the scoring with two touchdown catches and 155 receiving yards. Holy Cross, despite their valiant efforts, finished the game with 120 rushing yards from Joseph Williams. David Lynch of Holy Cross was 16-of-38 passing for 144 yards and two touchdowns, but an interception late in the fourth quarter allowed Yale to secure the winning field goal.