Bethesda native Josh Pitsenberger powered Yale to a season-opening win on Saturday, rushing for 127 yards and three touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 28–10 victory over Holy Cross. Pitsenberger scored once in the first quarter, added another in the third, and sealed the game with a final touchdown early in the fourth. His effort marked the first time in more than a decade (2014) that Yale opened a season with both a 100-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver.
Pitsenberger grew up in Montgomery County, attending North Bethesda Middle School before moving on to The Avalon School, where he starred on the football field. Since arriving at Yale, he has been a major part of the Bulldogs’ offense. Last season, he led the team in rushing, carrying 148 times for 794 yards and seven touchdowns. Saturday’s breakout performance reaffirmed his role as one of the top playmakers in the Ivy League.
The Montgomery County product’s journey from local fields in Bethesda to leading Yale’s offense has been closely followed by family, friends, and fans back home. With Pitsenberger anchoring the ground attack, the Bulldogs look to build momentum early in the season as they chase another Ivy League title.
