Saint Xavier University entered last Saturday’s matchup against number 19 Robert Morris with heavy implications regarding their postseason future. With a win, the Cougars would finish 2016 with a share of the Midwest League title and a chance to squeak in to the NAIA division II playoffs.
A loss would end their season.
The Cougars were also trying to avoid the first losing season under head coach Mike Feminis in 16 years. The program celebrated their 17 senior athletes prior to kickoff, as the group hoped to get a chance play at least one more game.
Entering this matchup, Robert Morris was on the cusp of a playoff berth and an outright conference championship. It was up to the Cougars to put together their best game of the year against a top opponent to allow their season to potentially continue.
For a large part of the November 5th contest, Saint Xavier looked to be in control of the 19th ranked Eagles. The first half resembled an old school defensive battle after both teams failed to cross the goal line.
Saint Xavier emerged out of the locker clinging to a 6-3 lead and began on offense. An impressive drive led by quarterback Alex Martinez ended with a 56-yard touchdown scamper from freshman running back Jamarri Watson, which extended the Cougars lead to 13-3.
The scoring drive was the most successful offensive possession for both teams to that point in the contest. Saint Xavier hoped to ride the success of its defense, but Robert Morris’ offensive playmakers stepped up in a big way from then on.
The Eagles went on to score 35 unanswered points against the Cougars. Headlined by an explosive run game that totaled 238 yards on the day, as well as athletic plays and three touchdowns from their junior quarterback, Robert Morris built a 38-13 lead with just over five minutes to play in the fourth quarter.
A three-yard touchdown run by senior John Glover capped the scoring for both teams, but it was the Eagles who celebrated on Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field after a dominating 38-20 win. Saint Xavier was outscored in the second half 35-14.
Watson finished with 77 yards rushing on 11 carries and a touchdown. Martinez completed 24 of 41 passes for 245 yards and an interception. Freshman wide outs Harold Davis and Chris Simmons led the way for Saint Xavier, combining for 138 yards receiving on 13 catches.
For the Cougars, the 2016 season looked to be promising. With several key players returning, including seniors Dan Ladd, John Rhode and Stephen Simms, playoffs were an expectation going into this year.
Ranked as high as 9th overall in NAIA division II, Saint Xavier eventually fell out of the top-25 after suffering a brutal 1-4 stretch. A disappointing 5-6 (3-2) finish results in an unexpectedly early start to the offseason for the Cougars.
Mike Rankin
Senior Sports Editor