Xavier seniors made major contribution to football program

CEDAR FALLS – Cedar Rapids Xavier fans paid a fitting tribute as the final minutes elapsed off the clock.

They chanted, 'Thank you, seniors' toward the Saints bench.

It was a sign of appreciation for the many accomplishments this group has provided to the football program and the school.

The only feat that was not achieved was a state title. The Saints earned a second straight runner-up finish, losing to top-ranked West Des Moines Dowling, 44-13, in the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 4A championship game last night at the UNI-Dome.

The gesture didn't fall on deaf ears.

'Most of us won't play another snap of football again, but that meant the world,' said wide receiver Bryce Grimm, who finished with 88 total yards. 'All the support we've had all year to hear that was amazing.'

Despite the uncharacteristic final result, it was a special class that faced high expectations when they started high school.

'They delivered,' Xavier Coach Duane Schulte said. 'They believed in each other. They meshed with the class before them and meshed with those behind them, and reached two 4A state championships. That says a lot.'

Chemistry has been a key factor in their success. They have played together since middle school. They picked each other up and made the sport enjoyable.

'It's been a lot of fun,' Nelson said. 'I'll have great memories that I will never forget with these guys. They made practice fun.'

Over the last four years of football, the Saints' senior class has lost just three games over the span, going 25-3 the last two varsity seasons. Don't forget a Mississippi Valley Conference title, following perfect freshman and sophomore campaigns. The painful part of those three setbacks is two came in 4A championship games, leaving them one win short of their ultimate goal.

'It's kind of a blessing if you make it to the state championship game two years in a row,' Senior Matt Nelson said. 'It does leave a sour taste in your mouth as well.'

The Saints have fielded plenty of talent. Nelson, who plays defensive end and tight end, has signed with the University of Iowa, giving Schulte his first NCAA Division-I recruit at Xavier. Daniel Vega is being courted by Division-I programs, making visits to the Hawkeyes. Both spearheaded a normally stingy defense that had 11 shutouts the last two years, including eight this season.

Running back Brendan Miller, who had 44 total yards Friday night including 35 on the ground, tallied more than 2,500 rushing yards and 27 TDs the last two seasons, beginning his junior year as a backup. Grimm added almost 1,000 of total offense with 11 TDs for the Saints.

'It's been an awesome journey,' Grimm said. 'I've played sports with these guys growing up, for most of my life. We knew we had a shot to do some good things. It's been a product of all the coaches and all the work we put in.'

We came up short two times, but I wouldn't trade it for anything else.'