It kept raining, and CHS Football and Elijah Kimble '27 kept reigning.

Canisius beat St. Joe's for the 13th straight time and for the 23rd time in the last 24 rivalry games, Kimble went from the CHS all-time leading rusher to the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association's rushing king, and the Crusaders delivered a regal second half Saturday evening to earn a shot at the league crown. 

Amir Hernandez '26 and Kimble each ran for two touchdowns while Jack Cullinan '27 caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Matteo Brusco '26 one as CHS won the second half, 28-7, to beat St. Joe's, 35-14, and advance to next Saturday's noon MMAA championship at Buffalo State vs. St. Francis.

Kimble rushed 28 times for 232 yards (according to press box stats) to put him at 5,100 for his career, passing previous record-holder Reggie Garner of Cardinal O'Hara (4,984 from 2004-07) to become the most prolific rusher in the history of the 77-year-old MMAA.

Kimble also moved up from No. 9 to No. 4 on the WNY all-time list and become just the fifth player to reach the 5,000-yard mark. The five players he passed were: Jeff Tundo of Orchard Park (5,055 from 2006-08), Keien Williams of Eden (5,020; 2001-03); Paul Paddock of Cattaraugus & Springville      (4,989; 1995-98); Garner; and Aaron Wahler of Cleveland Hill (4,901; 2015-18). 

The three ahead of him are: No. 3 Wade Turner of Lackawanna (5490; 1995-98); No. 2 Dustin Bowser of Southwestern (5,883; 2001-03); and No. 1 Jehuu Caulcrick of Clymer (6,559; 1999-2002).

CHS has a 52-48-3 lead in the all-time rivalry series, which began in 1921. Canisius took over the series lead in 2023 for the first time since 1986.

Students and families interested in CHS Football and the excellence only found in a Jesuit education at Canisius – ranked as the Buffalo area's "Best Catholic School" by Niche.com – can learn more by scheduling an on-campus experience at cansiushigh.org/visit

This place is special. Let us show you why.

#amdg #gocrusaders #pursueexcellence