Saints defeat Trojans to remain undefeated

By Gibson Lowenberg

CEDAR RAPIDS – The Cedar Rapids Xavier Saints defended their home field in dominant fashion, defeating the Waterloo East Trojans to remain unbeaten.

The Saints (7-0) forced turnovers on each of their first three defensive possessions and turned each Waterloo East miscue into touchdowns. 

The Xavier defense allowed just two first downs in the first half, which provided the Saints’ offense with terrific field position. Xavier began all but one first-half possession on the Waterloo East side of the field.

“Field position’s a big part of football, and for us to have that good field position was a very big factor in our win tonight,” Xavier Coach Duane Schulte said.

The first two quarters saw senior quarterback Cash Parks run for two touchdowns, pass for 80 yards and post one TD toss to receiver Ty Weiss.

“Touchdowns and especially wins are a team stat,” Parks said. “So, none of it would happen without my O-line blocking for me and my guys out there catching passes.”

Xavier was able to make several big plays throughout the first quarter and a half to keep the offense rolling, including a 32-yard reception from Weiss.

“I was seeing the backs of my teammates with great blocks, and now all I have to do is cut right off the (line),” Weiss said.

The Saints rested their starters after less than a half of action. The scout team received plenty of work, highlighted by 99 rushing yards from Calvin Hacke.

“They did great,” Schulte said. “They put in just as much time and effort as the starters. It’s great to. See them get rewarded, and they did good. They executed the way they were supposed to for the most part, and that’s a credit to them and their being dialed in.”

The Saints will travel to Decorah next Friday.