Cedar Rapids Xavier hopes to reverse previous playoff run-in with Pella

CEDAR FALLS — Cedar Rapids Xavier and Pella have become regulars at the UNI-Dome since 2009.

Both are making a fifth semifinal appearance during that stretch. For just the second time, their paths will cross. The last time didn't turn out so well for the Saints.

'I just remember the whole thing being not very good,' Xavier Coach Duane Schulte said of the 27-0 victory that led to the 2014 state title. 'We just didn't play very well. I was very proud of our kids for just getting there because we had a bunch of injuries that year. I hate to even mention injuries … We weren't at full speed but Pella was very good, too.'

Second-ranked Xavier will attempt to overturn that past meeting, facing top-ranked and two-time defending state champion Pella in a Class 3A state semifinal Thursday night at the UNI-Dome. Kickoff is slated for 8:21 p.m.

Bryce Schulte was in his first year as a starting quarterback in 2014, beginning his trek to set the school's all-time passing yardage and touchdown mark. He had the same amount of completions as Pella had sacks — five.

'Afterward it wasn't too pleasant because it was a tough game,' Bryce Schulte said of his postgame memories. 'They were a good team. We had some players hurt. They came out fast and strong.

'This year, it's two different teams than 2014. It will be a different matchup.'

Bryce Schulte was the only sophomore that started and played substantial minutes for the Saints that year. Sam Meyers was one of a trio of sophomores that logged at least a tackle. He gained from the experience that ended Xavier's run of consecutive 4A runner-up finishes in 2012 and 2013.

'I remember the atmosphere from what it's like playing in the Dome,' said Meyers, Xavier's starting center and linebacker. 'I was on punt team so I know what it was like listening to the cadence. I've been trying to tell them it's going to be really loud in there.'

The marquee matchup will be Xavier's rushing attack and Pella's stout run defense.

Saints running back Maliki Wilson leads 3A with 1,805 rushing yards. He has surpassed 100 yards in eight games and 200 in four. The Dutch, however, has allowed just one 100-yard rusher. Oskaloosa's Ethan Arnold ran for 111 yards in the first round of the playoffs.

Winning the line of scrimmage, which Xavier failed to do in 2014, is imperative.

'We have to keep our pad level low and get off the ball quick,' Meyers said. 'We have to win the line of scrimmage. That's key for every game, but we're coming in with the mentality that we have to start quick.'

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Pella handled the Saints on both sides of the ball. The Dutch rushed for 200 yards and threw for 111, receiving 229 total yards from Noah Clayberg. Pella has a similar attack with quarterback Nick Finney leading the way. He has 2,143 passing yards and 27 TDs. Finney has 1,108 yards and 13 TDs on the ground.

The Dutch (11-0) are second in 3A with 2,044 passing yards. Their 4,318 total yards is just 51 shy of Xavier's production.

Even though Xavier forced the only turnover of the game, Pella held the Saints under 55 yards, tallying five sacks and seven tackles for loss. The Dutch stifled Xavier, holding the Saints to 2.3 yards per carry and 1.3 per snap.

This year's version hasn't allowed more than 14 points in a game and has five shutouts.

'They are very sound and disciplined,' Duane Schulte said. 'It runs through their quarterback offensively. Both the run and the pass.

'They mix things up a lot. They don't give you the same front and they don't give you the same look all the time.

Naturally, teams have thrown for more yardage, having to go to the pass after falling behind the Dutch. Xavier's pass game has progressed along with the season.

Bryce Schulte is coming off his season-high 241 yards against Waverly-Shell Rock. He has thrown for more than 150 yards in a game seven times and six have come since Week 5.

'Our team started to figure out that we can run the ball and, if we need to, we can throw the ball,' Bryce Schulte said. '(Balance) will definitely be key. They will notice Maliki back there and Erik (Rodriguez) and the line blocking.

'If they put more guys in the box we'll have to throw, but if they keep more players in the secondary then Maliki is going to have a big day.'

The Saints (11-0) haven't really been challenged since facing 3A competition. Xavier has averaged 41.5 points per game, holding opponents to a little more than 11 points a contest. Some of those came against the Saints' defensive reserves.

Pella has been just as dominant, but posted a 28-14 quarterfinal win at Solon. The Saints have faced brief tests in recent weeks, but eventually pulled away from opponents. They will have a sustained battle in the semifinal.

'We do know when you get to the final eight and final four everybody is tough,' Duane Schulte said. 'It's going to be a tough game no matter what.'

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