On Nov. 16, Saint Xavier played their final game of the regular season and ended things with a bang. Defeating Judson University with a final score of 38-6.
The Cougars finally snapped their four game losing streak and got back into the win column. However, this only improves their overall record to 5-6, and since this was the season finale, the Cougars can’t ignite a winning streak.
Head coach Mike Feminis was asked about the turbulent end of their season and how he will decide to move forward.
“It’s obviously very disappointing when we don’t make the playoffs because it rarely happens,” shared Feminis. Then I asked him how he felt about snapping the losing streak.
“It was very relieving to snap the losing streak—this was the first time we lost four games in a row since my first season in 1999 so it was definitely unchartered waters for us,” Feminis continued. “It’s been a very frustrating and challenging season in a lot of ways so it was nice to go out on a positive note.”
“Our goals are the same every year—to win the National Championship. It all starts with winning the conference championship and qualifying for the playoffs, so that will be our main focus,” said Feminis.
But to stay on the positive side, this game was a special game, as it was known as “Senior Day”. As it honored all the seniors on the team and congratulated them for playing their final season for the Cougars. Providing senior athletes the recognition towards their full hard work ethics they’ve shown on each match during their entire collegiate career at SXU.
Five seniors scored touchdowns and a total of 21 seniors, with two student managers were recognized before the game commenced. The seniors were able to share this moment with family and other teammates.
In honor of Senior Day, I asked a couple of seniors about how they felt they performed this season, and to recall their favorite moment in their collegiate career.
Wide receiver/punter Joe Polselli reflected on his season saying, “Personally, I hope I performed well enough to contribute to a few wins this year.”
In his favorite moment, Polselli stated, “My favorite moment in my college career was during the 2023 season when we beat St. Francis Joliet in overtime to ruin their homecoming.” Polselli made five catches for 68 yards and also scored the first touchdown in this game.
Defensive linemen Ayobami Arokoyo shared his thoughts on his season saying, “Honestly I felt I could have done better. Every game I would always look through film and find a way I can bring more impact to the game. It definitely didn’t help when I got hurt and sprained my A/C joint in my right shoulder. I know in the end of the day I put my everything on the field.”
Arokoyo remembered his favorite moment in an amazing revenge story. Arokoyo assisted in one tackle and got a quarterback hurry in his final collegiate game.
“My favorite is when we played Marian for our first game of the playoffs last season. Earlier that season we played Marian at their home and ultimately lost to them, where I finished with a stat line of zero tackles. After the game they lit up fireworks, I would sit there for five minutes looking at the fireworks telling myself I will be back here and be better than ever. Fast forwarding to the playoff game I was nothing but excited, we dominated them defensively and won the game. Finishing with a stat line of 1.5 sacks, and three tackles for loss, and my first playoff win advancing to the quarterfinals.”
Fifth-year senior quarterback Stuart Ross gave it his all out there as he threw for 152 yards, completing 18 of his 30 passes (60%) with two touchdowns, and also had six carries for 17 yards.
Senior running back Jessi Plunkett had a dominant performance as he had 21 carries for 71 yards and scored a touchdown. Plunkett also recorded three receptions for 11 yards.
Graduate student wide receiver Brandt Hixson made the best of his farewell as he made the most catches on the team with six receptions for 42 yards, and scored a touchdown.
Graduate student kicker Peyton Benes stayed efficient in his season finale as he went 4-4 on PATs, and drilled a 36 yard field goal late in the second quarter.
Fifth-year senior defensive back Kevin Countryman performed well as he made six tackles with three solos, and picked off a pass that was returned for 22 yards. Countryman also had one pass break up and a quarterback hurry.
The NAIA is still determining the seeding and matchups for the 2024 NAIA FCS Playoffs as games are concluding, but the first round games will begin on Nov. 23 and the location will also soon be determined.