The lights have been turned on and the smell of hamburgers and hot dogs fill the air, which can only mean one thing: high school football has returned to the state of Iowa. Week three of the season is in the books as high school teams all over the state battle for the ultimate goal of a state championship.

Xavier started their season with aspirations of getting back to the UNI Dome for a 4th consecutive year. The Saints were scheduled to take on defending 4A state champion Dowling Catholic in the season opening game. Coach Schulte and company were looking for revenge in a highly anticipated game after falling in the 2014 season opener 24-2 against the Maroons. They did not get the chance to avenge their loss due to torrential rain and thunderstorms. Both teams agreed to cancel the game and it will not be made up due to scheduling conflicts.

After gearing up and not playing in week one, the Saints took their home field against Davenport Assumption in a battle between Catholic schools. The Saints were able to come out victorious 14-7 behind their stingy defense and efficient play on the offensive side of the ball. Junior quarterback Bryce Schulte completed 9-14 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown while junior running back Maliki Wilson ran for 124 yards and another touchdown. Two touchdowns were all the Saints needed behind their defense, who forced five turnovers in the game, including two in the final three minutes of the game. Senior safety Blake Whitten intercepted two passes, both of which came when Davenport was threatening to score.

“Our scout team gives us a really good look at what we are going to see in the game,” Whitten said. “Our coaches put us in the right position every play to be successful. It took all 11 of us to execute on the defensive side of the ball.”

Senior cornerback Nick Stark also added an interception in the end zone. The Saints were able to hold on for the win moving to 1-0 on the season. Xavier then traveled to Solon to take on the Spartans in a battle of 3A powers. After an exciting 48 minutes of football, the Saints were able to escape with a 22-19 win. The Saints trailed 19-7 entering the fourth quarter, but scored two touchdowns and a two point conversion into the final period to beat the Spartans 22-19.

Senior linebacker Bryce Charipar led the Xavier defense recording 11.5 tackles and is the Saints leading tackler through two games with 21.5. “We know we still have a lot to work on,” Charipar said. “The scout team pushes us in practice which prepares us for the game. We need everyone to step up and be focused on every play.”

Xavier improved to 2-0 on the season and will play again Friday, September 18 at home against DeWitt Central.