Mike Rankin
Senior Sports Editor
A week after falling to Saint Ambrose University in overtime, Saint Xavier football traveled to Deerfield, Illinois with a goal to spoil Trinity International University’s homecoming week. Overall, this season has not gone according to head coach Mike Feminis’ plan, as his team understands the playoffs are no longer a reality.
However, a Midwest conference championship is not yet out of the question. Although the Cougars are looking up at a number of teams, with a little help and a strong finish to the 2016 season, Saint Xavier could be standing tall when it is all said and done.
A big Midwest victory over Saint Francis earlier this year keeps Saint Xavier relevant in conference, but in all likelihood, they will have to win their remaining games to have a chance at a title. The Cougars’ first test was the Trojans of Trinity International on Saturday, October 22.
The frustration of dropping three games by a total of 13 points in 2016 boiled over into Deerfield, as Saint Xavier showed no mercy against a 1-7 Trinity squad. With the help of six touchdown passes provided by freshman quarterback Alex Martinez, the Cougars managed to score 77 points, good for second most in school history.
The 77 points scored on the road is a program record and the most put up in a single game since a 79-6 shellacking against Concordia University in September of 2002. This game was never close.
Saint Xavier came out firing on all cylinders in the first quarter. Martinez started under center for senior quarterback John Rhode and threw three touchdowns to three different receivers in the opening period.
On the ground, Stephen Simms torched the Trojan defense for two touchdowns with one being a 42-yard scamper. Defensively, Saint Xavier forced two turnovers in the quarter. Senior linebacker Michael Lafenhagen showed off his athleticism on an interception, while junior defensive lineman Jeff Cesario forced a fumble.
Saint Xavier put up 35 points in the opening frame, which is the second highest single quarter point total in school history. The narrative did not change much in the second quarter.
The Cougars were relentless on offense, adding another 28 points to their total before the half. Martinez threw for three more touchdowns and Saint Xavier went into the locker room leading Trinity 63-7.
With such a commanding lead, coach Feminis opted to pull most of his starters after a historic afternoon. Quarterback Alex Martinez finished 18-24 passing for 253 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Cougars’ Dennis Villimek, Mark Strbjak, Chris Simmons, and Esau Hemphill each caught a touchdown on the day, while junior Drey Devereaux hauled in two. Saint Xavier had plenty of success through the air, but it was their ground game that controlled this contest.
The Cougar offensive line manhandled Trinity’s defensive front and provided large gaps for their running backs. Overall, Saint Xavier totaled 300 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Stephen Simms led the Cougars’ ground attack with 111 yards on seven carries and two touchdowns. Freshman Jamarri Watson was second with 90 yards on 13 carries.
On the other side of the ball, Saint Xavier’s defense did not allow Trinity International any room to breathe. The Cougars created nine turnovers, including three interceptions, four fumbles, and two turnovers on downs.
It was a dominating performance all the way around, as Saint Xavier made a loud statement after suffering their fair share of heartbreaking losses on the season. The Cougars spoiled Trinity International’s homecoming, 77-21.
Saint Xavier looks to stand alone in second place after next week with a tough Midwest League challenge on the road against Olivet Nazarene University. The win improves Saint Xavier’s overall record to 4-5 and sit tied for second in the MSFA at 2-1.
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