Xavier finally gets a home game

CEDAR RAPIDS – It's an honest to goodness, actual home football game for the Cedar Rapids Xavier Saints. Imagine that.

'I won't know how to react,' said Xavier Coach Duane Schulte.

Xavier's first two games this season were quite a ways from Saints Field: at West Des Moines Dowling and Davenport Assumption. The final two games of the 2013 season were at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls: the Class 4A state playoff semifinals and finals.

So it has been awhile since Xavier fans have been able to purchase those Pot of Silver tickets to help benefit the school's athletics and fine arts programs. Over 10 months, to be exact.

Speaking of postseason-quality football, you can expect that's what you'll get Friday night, as second-ranked Xavier plays its first district game in its new class (3A), against No. 3 Solon. Kickoff is roughly 7:30, and you can catch it live on KCRG-9.2.

'It's been a growing, learning experience so far for a lot of our guys,' Schulte said. 'They've had to step it up, man up.'

With a few exceptions, this is a whole new group of starters on both sides of the ball for the Saints, especially on defense, where linebacker Nik Ekland is the lone returnee. Xavier hung around 4A top-ranked West Des Moines Dowling in the opener before losing, 24-2.

Last week was a convincing 30-6 win over Assumption, which also has dropped to 3A. Running back Jay Kortemeyer rushed for 178 yards, while Xavier limited Assumption to just 107 total yards and four first downs.

'I have liked that the kids have bought into trying to be tough and physical,' Schulte said. 'Playing the game the way it is supposed to be played.'

Solon (2-0) stunned Iowa City Regina in overtime two weeks ago, 29-28, ending the Regals' state-record 56-game win streak. The Spartans had an expected letdown last week but still handled rival Mount Vernon rather easily.

This will be a matchup of opposite offensive styles, with Xavier employing a traditional I-formation, two-receiver set most of the time. Solon likes to spread things out and get its athletes in space.

Connor Ham has made 12 receptions in his team's first two games. Brandon Childs has passed for 222 and run for 92.

'They are an impressive group,' Schulte said. 'They have good size and athletes, are well coached, as you'd expect with a program with the history they have.'

Schulte was asked what concerns he has about his team after two weeks of the season.

'You know what all football coaches say,' he said. 'They say that everything needs to be better. I'd say we're in the same boat.'

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