Covington sparks Villanova past Holy Cross 21-16 in playoffs

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Justin Covington ran for two second-quarter touchdowns and Villanova held off Holy Cross 21-16 in the second round of the FCS playoffs. Villanova (10-2), ranked sixth in the latest FCS coaches poll, took the lead early in second quarter after an interception by Ethan Potter gave the Wildcats the ball at the Holy Cross 43-yard line. Jalen Jackson ran for 10 yards, then caught a pass from Daniel Smith for a 30-yard gain to the Crusaders’ 3. Covington had a 2-yard TD run on fourth down for a 7-0 lead at the 11:20 mark. The Wildcats stretched their lead to 14-0 on Covington’s 7-yard TD run. Matthew Sluka’s 3-yard TD run pulled Holy Cross within five points with 6:22 remaining, but Sluka’s 2-point pass was intercepted Jared Nelson and the Crusaders would get no closer.