The Saint Xavier University football program is trudging to the finish in what is a difficult season to this point. It feels like an eternity since the Cougars were ranked 9th overall in the NAIA, as their record currently stands at 3-5 (1-1) after losing four of their last five contests.
Following a 20-7 loss to Davenport University, Saint Xavier entered week seven against a strong Concordia University group on Saturday, October 8th. The men went into homecoming week nursing a three game losing skid, which included two heart-breaking defeats by a combined total of six points.
Questions loomed over the Cougars going into their matchup with Concordia. Senior quarterback John Rhode returned from injury a week prior and struggled against an athletic Davenport defense.
Is there concern over the senior signal caller’s health and could he step up against a top-25 team in the NAIA? Could the Cougars find a way to win a game decided by one score? Will the return of freshman running back Jamarri Watson help take pressure of John Rhode and the passing attack?
The Cougars played in front of a raucous crowd at Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field and had an answer for all the hovering concerns.
It was John Rhode, easing the anxiety over his health, throwing for 245 yards on 24 completions with one touchdown and one interception. It was Jamarri Watson leading the way for the Cougars on the ground in a big offensive performance. And it was the Saint Xavier Cougars standing tall after the final whistle decided the one score affair.
Saint Xavier University secured a thrilling victory over Concordia University by a final of 25-21, ending their three game slide. A beautifully crafted 12 play, 79-yard game-winning touchdown drive engineered by Rhode and the Cougars ended with Watson crossing the goal line with 2:53 left on the clock.
Homecoming week was successful for Saint Xavier and they looked to transport their momentum all the way to Bettendorf, Iowa against Midwest League foe, Saint Ambrose University on Saturday, October 15.
Another strong performance by Jamarri Watson on the ground and Stephen Simms through the air was not enough to overcome the Fighting Bees in overtime. The 38-31 loss was the Cougars’ fifth on the season and a trip to the playoffs is now in question.
A dramatic game full of turnovers and lead changes culminated to a 33-yard field goal attempt for Saint Ambrose that was blocked by Saint Xavier to force overtime.
The Fighting Bees took advantage of their first possession in the extra frame and scored in just three plays. Saint Xavier had a chance to answer, but Rhode’s pass on third down and 13 was intercepted.
Rhode finished with three interceptions on the day and the Cougars turned the ball over four times. The senior quarterback finished with 304 yards passing and three touchdowns.
Watson was a motor on the ground, totaling 110 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Simms caught 6 passes and led the Cougars’ in receiving with 105 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, sophomore linebacker Omar Salazar, senior defensive back Matt Johnson and junior defensive tackle Derrick Hosselton each made big plays throughout the afternoon. Salazar led the team with eight tackles, while Johnson tallied two interceptions.
Next up is a must win game for Saint Xavier on the road against Trinity International University on Saturday, October 22 at 1:00 pm.
Mike Rankin
Senior Sports Editor