Taggart throws for 3 TDs, 2 to Edger, to lead Holy Cross past Howard 38-7

Holy Cross wins first meeting with Howard, 38-7

WORCESTER, Mass. — Ryan Taggart threw three touchdowns and Holy Cross defeated Howard 38-7 in the season opener for both teams on Saturday.

Taggart finished with 186 yards on 17 of 29 passing for Holy Cross, the defending Patriot League champions.

Bill Edger caught two touchdowns and finished with 124 yards on seven catches for the Crusaders. Edger is one of two Holy Cross seniors who finished with more than 800 receiving yards in 2009.

The other, Luke Chmielinski, caught an 11-yard touchdown to give the Crusaders their first touchdown with 10:30 left in the first quarter.

Edger caught both of his touchdowns in the second quarter, and the Crusaders added a 29-yard field goal to go up 24-0 midway through the third.

Howard scored on a 33-yard pass from Jarad Dorsey to Willie Carter with 1:41 remaining in the third. Carter finished with 130 yards on six catches.