After a disappointing 5-6 2016 campaign, Saint Xavier football is chomping at the bit to perform again on the gridiron following a long offseason. Head coach Mike Feminis worked hard in his recruitment effort this winter to fill the holes left by sixteen seniors who graduated last year.
For Feminis, who enters his 19th season as head coach of Cougars football, reeling in recruits is all part of the job. “This year is no different than any other,” coach Feminis said. “We always lose several key players to graduation as does every good program.”
Replacing the positions of standout performers like all-purpose threat Stephen Simms and quarterback John Rhode can be done with able bodies. However, supplanting the production the aforementioned Simms and Rhode bring to the table is a tall order.
Coach Feminis will look to senior wide out Drey Devereaux and sophomore receiver Harold Davis to perform, but Feminis understands filling the shoes of Simms “will not be easy.” Success in 2017 will have a lot to do with the collective efforts of both old and new faces that structure this Cougars group.
Speaking of old and new, Saint Xavier quarterback Alex Martinez will return for his sophomore season. Martinez got a look as the signal caller for the Cougar offense after an injury plagued 2016 halted Rhode’s season. Compiling a 3-3 record as a freshman, Martinez threw for 1,501 yards with 17 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and posted a 147.0 efficiency rating.
A fresh face who will battle Martinez for the number one quarterback spot is junior recruit Justin Hunniford. The Providence Catholic High School alum spent two seasons at North Central College and compiled a 63.8 completion percentage with 11 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
Even hours before opening night, the top spot on the Cougars depth chart is still up for grabs.
“We knew this was going to be a difficult decision because both Alex and Justin are outstanding quarterbacks,” coach Feminis stated. “Both had tremendous individual and team success in high school and both have college playing experience. They’ve been neck and neck since Justin arrived last spring and I may not make a decision until game time.”
Whether it is Martinez or Hunniford playing under center, the Saint Xavier offense will take a load of the responsibility off their quarterback’s shoulders in the form of senior running back Mike Ivlow and sophomore Jamarri Watson, along with a youth-filled offensive line.
In the trenches offensively, incoming freshman Bruce Mesa, Anthony Saro, and John Ivlow will be counted on to protect the quarterback and clear lanes for the talented Cougar backfield. Both Ivlow and Watson combined for 1,375 all-purpose yards and are primed for an impactful 2017.
Defensively, several key starters from last year will be returning. The secondary is filled with youth, but a healthy balance of speed and athleticism will allow the Cougars to compete against any opponent’s receiving core.
The young secondary will benefit greatly from what is expected to be the biggest strength of this year’s Cougars team. Saint Xavier is counting heavily on their defensive line to put pressure on the opposing quarterback and stuff the run.
“There is no doubt that our strength defensively is our d-line,” said Feminis. “We’ll go eight or nine deep and rotate them constantly to keep them fresh. These guys are experienced and relentless.”
Red-shirt freshman Danny Saracco will be asked to step in at middle linebacker, but he will be aided by playmaking junior linebacker Omar Salazar and sophomore Josh Hettiger, who will be getting his first look at inside backer this season.
For the fifth year in a row, Saint Xavier will open their season against Marian University. It will be a tough task for the 24th ranked Cougars, as the Knights will come to Chicago ranked 5th in the NAIA.
Coach Feminis is looking forward to challenging the talented Marian University and will look to his defensive line to stand up to one of the best offensive lines in the country.
“Marian is going to be talented all over the place and they probably would have won the National Championship if their quarterback wouldn’t have gotten hurt at the end of the year,” Feminis said. “Their o-line is the best we’ll see all year and it will be a great test for our d-line.”
The 2017 Saint Xavier football season kicks off the program’s 25th year on Thursday, August 31st at 6:00 PM. Listen to Cougars football every week on WXAV 88.3 FM Chicago and wxav.com.
Mike Rankin
Sports Editor