Catching up with Xavier football

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Xavier football team stands to 4-1 after a 49-6 win over Maquoketa last Friday.

The Saints' other district victories are a 28-0 over Solon and a 59-3 over DeWitt Central. The Saints have played two non-district games against West Des Moines Dowling and Davenport Assumption. Following a 24-2 loss to Class 4A Dowling to open the season, the Saints rebounded to beat Assumption, 30-6.

On the offensive side of the ball, senior running back Jay Kortemeyer is leading the team in carries (78) and rushing yards (459).

'The offensive line has been great. They make nice holes and Nic Ekland is a great lead blocker,” Kortemeyer said.

Sophomore quarterback Bryce Schulte has a team-leading 11 touchdowns, including eight rushing, two passing and one receiving. Schulte also has 54 total points, which also leads the Saints.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Saints are well-balanced with 13 players having seven or more tackles. Ekland, a senior linebacker, leads with 14. Senior safety Dylan Eller has three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

Junior running back Sean Murphy is fifth in Class 3A with 238 kick return yards and first with two kick returns for touchdowns.

'It's all about doing your job every play and trying to get better through the week,” Murphy said. 'Our team is always wanting to get better.”

Senior cornerback Camden Stovie is seventh in Class 3A with 102 punt return yards. Junior kicker Dallas Klein is tied for first with four made field goals. Klein also is fourth with 21 made extra points.