Game blog: C.R. Xavier at Linn-Mar

MARION - Linn-Mar completes a rough three-game stretch to close the regular season. After splitting top-10 matchups with C.R. Washington (win) and Iowa City High (loss), the No. 8 Lions hosts No. 9 Xavier at Armstrong Field in a contest certain to effect seeds 5 through 8 in the East bracket of the Class 4A playoffs.

Not sure if Andy Didio is playing for Xavier. Didio, the Saints starting QB, left last week's game against C.R. Jefferson early with a shoulder injury and did not return.

The sophomore game has ended. C.R. Xavier defeated Linn-Mar, 16-8. Now, the Linn-Mar will be introduced for their Senior Night and then the game will start. I'm guessing we're looking at about a 7:40 start.

Didio is warming up with the Saints, and he's thrown some good passes in a drill. I expect him to play.

Seniors from all the fall sports and marching band were introduced between sophomore and varsity games. Among those seniors was Emily Saville, daughter of KCRG sports anchor, Scott Saville. They appeared on the track together with mother and wife, Brenda. Emily competed on the Lions cross country team that won a regional meet Thursday, advancing to the state meet Oct. 30 at Fort Dodge. Congrats Savilles.

Xavier wins the toss and defers to the second half. Linn-Mar chose to receive.

Mark Atwater's first pass picked off on first possession. High throw goes through hands of Josh Montague and right to Jordan Weber. Doesn't lead to any points.

Xavier wins field position battle, taking over at LM 49 on its sec ond possession. Chizek, who carried it the Saints first seven plays of the game, took a handoff 45 yards for a TD, giving Xavier a 7-0 lead with 6:38 to go.

Xavier takes over at the Linn-Mar 38 after an Atwater fumble. Atwater slow to get up but jogs off the field. Saints take a 14-0 witgh 1:17 in first lead on an Andy Didio 4-yard keeper.

LM takes over in Linn-Mar territory again after recovering a fumble at the Lions 18. Didio's first pass is a 23-yd TD to Nathan Even for a 21-0 lead with :01 in first.

Atwater is picked off but drive ends with Aaron hunter picking off Didio in the end zone. However, Lions' first play is a fumble by garman, leading to their fifth turnover. Xavier adds a 30-yd FG from Chad Gilmer. CRX leads 24-0 with 5:09 to go in half.

At the half, Xavier leads 24-0.

saints take opening possession, 69 yards capped by a 1-yd run by Didio. Xavier up 31-0 with 8:43 to go in 3rd.

Linn-Mar gets on the board with a great pass play from Atwater to Josh montague in the back of the end zone from 13 yards out. Montague leaps and drags a foot in to score. at the end of the third, Xavier is up, 31-7.

xavier wins, 45-28.