A dominant defensive performance backed by a balanced offensive attack propelled Saint Xavier to a 45-0 victory over Lindenwood University-Belleville on Saturday night. The win marked the program’s first shutout since November 17, 2012 when they defeated No. 11 William Penn University 31-0.
Transfer junior Justin Hunniford and sophomore Alex Martinez got a chance to start at quarterback in each of the initial two games to begin the 2017 season. It appears head coach Mike Feminis has yet to decide a full-time starter and he may be using the first four weeks to fully evaluate the two signal callers before making a commitment.
In week three, Hunniford got his second opportunity to parade his skillset. Hunniford and his group overcame a slow start against a Lindenwood bunch that had allowed an average of up over 450 yards per game to opposing offenses. A failed fourth down conversion on the opening series, along with an ill-advised throw toward the sideline that resulted in an interception late in the first quarter, represented the only two mishaps in an otherwise steady offensive performance.
Hunniford completed 20 of 31 pass attempts for 196 yards, four touchdowns, and one pick. The Providence Catholic product’s numbers could have been more inflated, but he was removed from the contest with a 38-0 lead and 8:39 remaining in the third quarter.
The wide receiver group shined yet again, as Hunniford completed at least one pass to six different targets. Sophomore Nick Czeszewski, who leads the team with 350 yards receiving through three games, hauled in six catches for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Czeszewski, though, was outshined by fellow wide out Harold Davis. Davis was Hunniford’s favorite red zone target on Saturday night, as half of the sophomore’s six catches were made for touchdowns.
Davis and Czeszewski have established themselves as the go-to targets through the first three games of 2017. The two standout receivers have a combined 30 catches on the season for 581 yards and nine touchdowns, while averaging 194 yards per game.
Offensively, the wide receiver and quarterback play are imperative for coach Feminis’ system to have success. However, without a healthy running game, the Cougar offense becomes one dimensional. Senior running back Mike Ivlow acts as the perfect complement to Saint Xavier’s high-octane, pass-first offense. Ivlow capped his impressive 189 yards on the ground with a school record 98-yard touchdown run.
“Mike is a really good back,” Feminis said postgame. “He’s had a great year for us so far and we’re going to need him. Obviously, the first thing people think about is defending our pass, but we can run the ball too.”
The Cougars combined for 258 yards rushing Saturday thanks in large part to Ivlow, as well as senior Esau Hemphill, who averaged 7.7 yards per carry to go along with his one touchdown.
Saint Xavier amassed 471 yards of total offense compared to Lindenwood’s 101. Defensively, the Cougars were impenetrable.
Collectively, Feminis’ defensive unit allowed a measly 39 yards rushing on 38 Lynx carries. The credit can be shared among the entire group, but praise should most certainly begin at the defensive line.
“Our d-line is our strength defensively,” Feminis said. “We will throw eight or nine guys at you and they’re all similar players. They’re very active. They have great motors and they have been absolutely dominant in our first three games. It makes life a lot easier for the linebackers and the secondary when you got guys playing like that up front.”
There was a clear talent gap between No. 11 Saint Xavier and Lindenwood University-Belleville. On paper, the matchup suggested the Cougars would handily take care of business and that was exactly what they did. Many of the starters were removed from the contest shortly after the game was well in hand. For Saint Xavier, it was important to avoid injury with seven games still remaining on the schedule.
“I was happy with our guys having a good week of practice,” Feminis said. “It is very easy to fall into a trap in a game like this, but my biggest worry is guys not getting hurt. Hopefully they come out healthy and are ready for the next one.”
After a thrilling win over No. 5 Marian to open the season, as well as two convincing triumphs in which the Cougars held their opponents to a combined 13 points, Saint Xavier is ready to take on the challenge verses No. 1 overall University of Saint Francis (Ind.). The rivalry dates back to 1999 and the two programs have combined for two national championships in six years. For coach Feminis, mentally preparing his group to face the best will not be that difficult.
“I don’t think a focus is going to be any kind of problem when you’re looking ahead to the number one team in the country,” Feminis said of the defending National Champions. “They’re probably our biggest rival over the last 20 years. For us to be able to play them when they’re ranked first in the country coming off a national championship and at their place with a great atmosphere – I just can’t wait to get there.”
Saint Xavier will travel 158 miles to Fort Wayne, Indiana with the hopes of pulling off another upset over a top-five team in the country. Kick-off is scheduled for Saturday, September 23 at 5:00 PM and the broadcast can be heard on WXAV 88.3 FM or wxav.com.
Mike Rankin
Sports Editor