St. Xavier ends La Salle's 14-game win streak
The La Salle Lancers have accomplished a lot in the past year including a Division II state championship and 14 consecutive victories. The one thing they haven’t done in more than five seasons was the rival St. Xavier Bombers.
On Friday night, St. X senior Nick Arcuri kicked a go-ahead 52-yard field goal with six minutes remaining, and junior quarterback Sean Clifford passed for 141 yards and ran for a clinching TD as the Bombers ended La Salle’s 14-game winning streak with a 24-14 victory at St. Xavier Stadium.
St. Xavier, ranked No. 3 in the Enquirer Division I coaches’ poll and No. 9 in the state poll, was coming off a tough overtime loss to Elder.
Related: La Salle schedule, stats
“I’m awful happy,” said Bombers coach Steve Specht. “I thought our defense was lights out in the second half. We got better offensively as the game went on.”
La Salle running back Jeremy Larkin was sensational again, rushing for 96 yards and a touchdown with a 23-yard TD reception.
The Lancers rushed for 141 yards on Friday night against a St. X defense which was allowing only 78.7 rushing yards per game.
But it wasn’t enough to capture the “King of the Road” trophy for the first time in five years.
Related: St. Xavier schedule, stats
“You can’t really tell about the character of your team when things go well,” said Lancers coach Jim Hilvert. “We have three games remaining, all at home. Nobody’s going to feel sorry for us.”
La Salle ranked No. 1 in the Enquirer and state Division II polls, hadn’t defeated St. X since October 8, 2010 beginning a streak of five straight wins for the Bombers.
“The rivalry means so much,” said Clifford. “For a Division II (team) they sure know how to play football. They’re still a GCL team.”
Friday’s game was considered among the nation’s top prep football contests to watch according to MaxPreps.com. It didn’t disappoint.
A 24-yard TD run on a jet sweep by Larkin put La Salle ahead 7-0 with 5:16 left in the first quarter.
St. X junior running back Quinn Earley tied the score 7-7 on a 39-yard TD run. Earley led the Bombers with 66 yards on seven carries on Friday.
La Salle unleashed its passing game late in the second quarter.
The Lancers got fortuitous bounce when a pass caromed off a receiver and into the hands of junior Ben Brabender for a 34-yard gain.
Dana Reeves’ 12-yard reception on fourth-and-11 set up Larkin’s 23-yard TD catch putting La Salle back in front, 14-7.
Both teams missed scoring chances late in the half.
An interception by Lancers safety Tre’Sean Smith stopped a St. X drive.
Chrisman missed a 27-yard field goal attempt for La Salle just before halftime.
The Bombers received the opening kickoff of the second half and marched 68 yards in 13 plays. Clifford scored on a 1-yard run to tie the score 14-14.
A sack by Lancers linebacker Jerell White forced St. Xavier into a fourth-and-16 at the Lancers’ 35.
With the wind at his back, Arcuri, the grandson of legendary Bombers coach Steve Rasso, boomed it through the uprights, putting St. X ahead 17-14 with 6:24 remaining.
“He came through tonight and I’m awful proud of him,” said Specht. “I came over to him on the sideline, put my arm around him, and said ‘Your grandpa’s smiling on you’.”
La Salle 7 7 0 0 - 14
St. Xavier 0 7 7 10 - 24
Larkin 24 run (Chrisman kick)
Earley 39 run (Maciag kick)
Larkin 23 pass from Watson (Chrisman kick)
Connor 1 run (Maciag kick)
Arcuri 52 FG
Clifford 17 run (Maciag kick)
Records: L 6-1 (1-1 GCL), X 5-2 (2-1 GCL).