The final score, a 43-yard pass, marked the end of a drive in which the Crimson required only three plays and 1:30 to travel 60 yards.

This efficiency characterized the Hatch-led offense, which had an average gain of 6.4 yards per play. In fact, the Crimson averaged 11.0 yards per passing play, as opposed to Holy Cross’ 4.3.

In addition to his strong passing, Hatch also ran for 39 yards, the second-highest total on the team. Often times Hatch’s scrambling ability turned near sacks into large gains.

In one instance, Hatch scrambled to his left, a difficult feat for a right-handed quarterback. He then dodged an oncoming Crusader, tucked the ball under his arm to run, and only at the last instant decided instead to throw a pass to Richards.

The junior wide receiver caught the pass, keying a Crimson score only moments later.

“[The Crusaders’ defense saw] he was going to run, and he made the choice to pull up and then pass the ball,” Iannuzzi said of the play. “It shows his field awareness [and] his quarterback smarts. He knows where his receivers are going to be.”

“I just think it shows overall athleticism,” he added.

Hatch has a tremendous impact as an off-the-field leader as well.

“He’s not a middle linebacker run-around [leader], he’s not like Sean Hayes of last year who would...dance around and get us pumped up in that way,” Iannuzzi said. “[He’s] more of a lead by example and lead by being a football player.”

“He’s just one of those quarterbacks who brings that calming presence into the huddle,” Richards added. “You’d walk off a cliff for the guy.”