Xavier busts loose in second half

DAVENPORT - Cedar Rapids Xavier controlled the clock, dominated statistically and held Davenport Assumption without a first down in the opening half. It had only a three-point lead to show for it.

'We had opportunities, but we didn't take advantage of them,” Xavier Coach Duane Schulte said. 'Give credit to them because they had some fire in them and sensed us making some mistakes.”

But after not scoring a touchdown in its first six quarters of the season, the Saints put together a 17-point third quarter and silenced Assumption, 30-6, last night at Brady Street Stadium in a non-district contest.

Jay Kortemeyer rushed for 184 yards, and sophomore quarterback Bryce Schulte ran for three scores. Place-kicker Dallas Klein booted through three short field goals for the Saints, who rebounded from last Friday's 24-2 road loss at West Des Moines Dowling.

'Six days ago we're in Des Moines playing Dowling,” Schulte said. 'We're not totally happy and satisfied with our guys, but they've had to wear big boy pants the last six days and they've done it.”

Xavier scored 17 points without Assumption running an offensive play in the third quarter.

After Schulte's first touchdown run, the Saints recovered a fumble on the onside kick and punched it for a score.

Then on the ensuing kickoff, Xavier scooped up a loose ball and turned it into a field goal.

'Our special teams are a nightmare right now,” Assumption coach Wade King said.

Both teams start district play next week.

Xavier is at home against Solon. Assumption travels to Fort Madison.