HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Saints getting stronger

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By Shannon Mulcahey, Xavier senior

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Xavier football team is stronger than ever, moving into the state championship game for the second year in a row after a 31-7 win over Bettendorf on Friday.

The Saints beat their previous three opponents in shutout games and have allowed a total of 52 points in 13 games this season. Not only has the team played its best, but the family bond the players have made this year has been evident.

'During the very first week of practice,' senior Chris Ball said, 'everyone is working together and encouraging each other to push through. This is when that 'family' bond starts and from that week on, during the entire four month season, this sense of family only gets stronger and stronger.'

The Saints have a literal family aspect. Freshman Bryce Schulte is the head coach's son and has played quarterback in several games. The team also has four sets of brothers - juniors Adam Steffensmeier and Andrew Steffensmeier, junior David Sander and senior Matt Sander, junior Thomas Ickes and senior Sean Ickes, and junior Thomas Ball and senior Chris Ball.

'I certainly look up to my older brother, Sean,' Thomas Ickes said. 'There are many things I can learn by watching him. It also helps that we play the same position so he can coach me when I am not doing things correctly.'

Xavier beat Clinton on Oct. 30, 45-0, in the first round of the playoffs. The Saints headed to the second round to face Iowa City High on Nov. 4 and won that game, 34-0, earning a place in the quarterfinals.Another Battle of 42nd Street was held at Saints Field on Nov. 8 against Kennedy. The Saints won, 21-0. Senior Brendan Miller gave the Saints a 7-0 lead in the third quarter and senior Wes Gardner scored the next two touchdowns to secure a semifinals spot for Xavier.

Xavier beat Bettendorf on Friday, and now will meet West Des Moines Dowling in the Class 4A championship game Friday.