For the eighth time in the last 13 years, and the first time under head coach Kraig Kurzanski '84, the Canisius Crusaders are champions of the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association. 

Eli Kimble '27 earned MVP honors as the Crusaders took control early Saturday afternoon in a 32-22 win over St. Joe's on Koessler Field before a crowd of thousands at Robert J. Stransky Memorial Complex.

Canisius' won its first championship since the 2020-21 season with its 11th straight victory over St. Joe's. CHS has won 21 of the last 22 rivalry games, and the 11 straight wins is the most for CHS in the history of the rivalry, which began in 1921. 

The Crusaders now lead the all-time series, 51-48-3.

Kurzanski, in his third season of his current tenure at CHS, and his Crusaders continued to honor the late Kevon Walker '24, who passed away earlier this month.

It is the ninth Monsignor Martin championship for Canisius since the league went to its postseason format in 2002. Canisius has won titles in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017. 2019, 2020, 2024.

Kimble '27 ran for four touchdowns and more than 200 yards as the Crusaders (9-2) scored the game's first 20 points, were up 26-6 after three quarters and built a 32-14 lead with less than four minutes to play.

CHS will host Iona Prep in the state title game on Saturday, Nov. 30. Kickoff for the New York State Catholic High Schools Athletic Association championship is 11 a.m. on Koessler Field at the Stransky Complex. *** THIS HAS BEEN UPDATED: Game time has been moved up one hour to 11 a.m. due to the weather forecast. ***

Westchester County's Iona Prep defeated St. Anthony's of Long Island, 43-22, Saturday to win the metro New York City CHSAA championship.

Students interested in CHS Football and the excellence only found in a Jesuit education at Canisius – ranked as Buffalo's "Best Catholic School" by Business First – can learn more by arranging a first-hand experience via canisiushigh.org/visit

This place is special. Let us show you why.

#amdg #gocrusaders #pursueexcellence

The celebration: 
 

@canisiushs FINAL in the CHAMPIONSHIP: Canisius 32, St. Joe's 22. The Crusaders won their first Monsignor Martin Athletic Association title since the 2020-21 season by beating their rival for the 11th straight time, then celebrated with the Blue Crew. Eli Kimble '27 ran for four touchdowns and more than 175 yards as the Crusaders (9-2) scored the game's first 20 points, were up 26-6 after three quarters and built a 32-14 lead with less than four minutes to play. Canisius will host the Catholic state championship Saturday Nov. 30 at noon. #gocrusaders #studentsection #ibelievethatwewillwin #ibelievethatwehavewon #highschoolfootball #elikimble #hsfootball #rivalry #amdg ? original sound - Canisius High School

The reaction: 
 

@canisiushs How's it feel to win the championship for the first time in your career, by beating your rival for the 11th straight time, and move on to the state championship? Here's what the Crusaders had to say after their 32-22 win over St. Joe's in the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association championship, a win that was their 21st in 22 games against their rival, honored the late Kevon Walker '24, avenged a one-point loss in last year's final and sent CHS to the NYSCHSAA championship game. Canisius will play metro NYC champion Iona Prep of Westchester County at noon Saturday on Koessler Field at the Stransky Complex. #gocrusaders #championship #interviews #cookies #postgame #feelsgreat #highschoolfootball #elikimble #hsfootball #rivalry #amdg ? The Champion - Lux-Inspira