Currently undefeated with a record of 12-0, the Xavier football team has advanced to the state championship game. They will go up against a district foe, the Western Dubuque Bobcats.

The Saints have already defeated the Bobcats this season 35-0 on October 5.

“During the regular season it was a different team,” senior team captain Kyle Krezek said. “They have gotten better now and we have to look at them again, and break it down to see what they are doing differently.”

Senior team captain Quinn Schulte agreed with Krezek that the first game is no longer important, and the Bobcats are a good team and will be prepared.

The Saints beat Lewis Central 37-13 on Thursday, November 8 in the semifinal game, earning a place in the championship game.

“When we were younger this was the dream, and being able to get here again is another great accomplishment for the entire team,” Krezek said.

Krezek knows the Saints have improved and become more efficient since the beginning of the season, but there are always things they need to improve on.

“I am proud of everyone on this team because they have all stepped up and have been working hard to be the best they can be,” Krezek said.

The team will be playing without two players, senior Kyle Moeder, who tore his meniscus in the first playoff game against Pella, and junior Josh Volk, who tore his ACL in the semifinals.

However, with this setback, the Saints’ mindset has not changed.

The championship game is Thursday, November 15 at the UNI Dome starting at 7 p.m.