Senior quarterback Matthew Sluka and senior wide receiver Jalen Coker have been named to the preseason watch list for the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football and presented by Stats Perform and FedEx Ground.

Both Sluka and Coker were additionally named to the Stats Perform Preseason All-America team, as announced this week. 

Sluka, the Patriot League's Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, is a two-time All-Patriot League selection. In 2022, he earned first-team accolades, and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. He led the conference in rushing yards last season, with 1,234 yards — the most of any FCS quarterback — and 11 touchdowns on the ground. A year ago, he also finished 11th among FCS quarterbacks with 26 touchdown passes, eighth in points responsible for (222) and second in passing yards per completion (16.27). 

Coker earned All-Patriot League first team honors in 2022, leading the team with 11 touchdown receptions and 912 receiving yards. He caught at least one touchdown in eight different games this season, with three touchdown catches in a win over Fordham. 

Holy Cross returns to the gridiron in 2023 after a record-setting 2022 campaign, in which the Crusaders secured their fourth consecutive Patriot League championship. Holy Cross won a program-record 12 games and finished with a 12-1 record, falling in the NCAA FCS quarterfinals to eventual national champion South Dakota State. The Crusaders posted their first 11-0 regular season since 1991.

Season tickets are now on sale to watch the four-time defending Patriot League champion Holy Cross football team during the upcoming 2023 season. Full season ticket packages for Holy Cross' five home games, including the Crusaders' four games at Fitton Field and one contest at Polar Park, begin at just $80 and provide fans access to a number of exclusive benefits. To renew or purchase season tickets, fans can visit the Holy Cross ticket website, call or text 1-844-GO-CROSS, or email tickets@holycross.edu.

Tickets are now on sale starting at just $15 for the third annual EBW Football Classic at Polar Park! On Sept. 30, the diamond will be transformed into a gridiron as Holy Cross hosts in-state rival Harvard. For additional information, please contact the Worcester Red Sox at info@woosox.com or 508-500-1000.