The Cougars won against Saint Ambrose University on Saturday with a score of 31-14, extending their winning streak to eight games.
Despite the win, Saint Xavier fell from 11 to 12 in the latest NAIA Coaches’ Poll.
It was a very windy and cold Saturday at Deaton field and even though the wind could have swayed the game the Cougars still came out with a huge win.
The first quarter started off with a score on the first drive from the Cougars with a touchdown pass from junior quarterback, Stuart Ross, to senior wide receiver, Justin Pringle, from five yards.
Following a made extra point attempt from junior kicker, Peyton Benes, SXU had an early 7-0 lead.
Later in that same quarter, Saint Ambrose responded with a passing touchdown for themselves to tie the game at seven.
In the second quarter with 9 minutes left, Benes kicked a 24 yard field goal to make the score 10-7 and give SXU the lead again
With four minutes left the Cougars put up two touchdown passes from Ross to junior wide receiver, Kyle Quinn.
One of the Quinn touchdowns was snagged one out of the air for a touchdown which made the score 24-7 at half.
Saint Ambrose kicked off the third quarter with a passing touchdown to make the score 24-14.
Later on in third, the Cougars scored on a 14-yard rushing touchdown from junior linebacker, Ryan Fitzgerald.
Surprisingly, there was no offense from either team in the fourth quarter.
Saint Xavier’s offense was led by Quinn, who ended the game with four catches, 69 yards, and two touchdowns.
On the defensive side, senior defensive lineman, Peyton Campbell, had an impactful game with four tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.
The Cougars advanced to 8-2 on the season.
The last time they won eight-straight regular season wins was in 2011, which was the year SXU won the NAIA National Championship.
This Saturday the Cougars face Saint Francis University (IL) at Deaton Field for the final regular season game of the year, and it will also be ‘Senior Day’. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 pm Central time.