But the fourth-seeded Lancers (6-3) are playing with house money after beating fifth-seeded Bishop Eustace by a 14-13 score in a first-round thriller on Friday night.
Holy Cross ran the football with authority against Bishop Eustace's sturdy defense, especially in the first quarter. Junior running back Myles Pressey ran for 73 yards and both touchdowns as the Lancers jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first 12 minutes.
"I was really concerned about their defense," Holmes said of Bishop Eustace. "When we were able to come out and run the ball, I was like, 'Wow.' It was a big night for us."
Holmes had high praise for the Holy Cross offensive line, especially guards Mike Kane and Aaron Scanlon.
"Those two kids are as good as any linemen around," Holmes said.
Camden Catholic is No. 3 in The Inquirer Top 10. The Irish are the only team to beat No. 4 Pennsauken.
"We know how good they are," Holmes said of Camden Catholic. "But we're playing a meaningful game this late in November. That's all you can ask for."
Triton rolls. The fifth-seeded Mustangs (8-1) made the most of their own bus trip, traveling to Manahawkin and stunning fourth-seeded Southern by a 26-7 score in the South Jersey Group 4 quarterfinals on Friday.
Despite losing three fumbles in the first half, Triton controlled the game with a dominant defensive effort led by ends Brian Keller and Isiah Baylor and linebackers Dan Bekier, Chance Negri and John Bowers.
"We smothered them," Triton coach Pete Goetz said. "It was really good to see as a coach. We felt like we could be a lot more physical than them."
Keller, who also is the Mustangs quarterback, ran five yards for the first touchdown and threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to tight end Artie Fleming. James Burns ran 36 yards for a score, and Bowers sealed the victory with a 45-yard interception return for touchdown in the final minute.
