St. Thomas Aquinas hosts St. James Friday night at home at 7 p.m.
The Saints (5-0) enter the game undefeated and first place in the Eastern Kansas League, having won 17 straight games dating back to the 2018 state championship season.
In its fourth season in the EKL, St. James has bounced back from a 2-8 2018 season. The Thunder (3-2) defeated Bishop Miege, 28-27, two weeks ago.
In four meetings since 2015, Aquinas is 4-0 with a 36-10 average margin of victory. The Saints won, 42-13, last season.
"History is just that," said coach Randy Dreiling. "Each season is different; each team is different. This team is progressing each week. We have some quality wins so far, and this week we have another opportunity to see what we're made of against another strong league opponent."
Aquinas has two regular season games remaining, both in league play, before a bye the final week of the season. Next week following St. James the Saints travel to Bishop Miege, which is tied with Blue Valley for second in the EKL. This week's opponent, St. James, is tied for fourth in the EKL with Blue Valley West.
"We take one game at a time," said Dreiling. "You have to approach it that way, especially in this league."
The EKL is deep once again this season. The Saints' closest game was two weeks ago against Mill Valley, which is 2-3, sixth place in the EKL, and a contender in Class 5A.
The Saints are winning again with physical play on both offense and defense.
The offense is out-rushing opponents 374 to 100 yards per game and averaging over twice as many yards per carry (7.8-3.8). The passing game averages over twice as many yards per attempt (12.4-5.6).
Tyron "Tank" Young, after a 199-yard rushing performance last week against Blue Valley West, has 741 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in five games this season, averaging 148 yards per game and 10.2 yards per carry.
Charlie McCormick, Tom Downey, Finn Barnett, and James Jarrett also each average at least 7.7 yards per carry.
"Our offensive line is performing at a high level once again," said Dreiling. "We expect a lot out of them each week, and they're answering."
Isaiah Gavin leads the receiving corps with 209 yards on 21 per catch.
The defense has 17 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 37 hurries, and 23 pass breakups. The Saints have a clear advantage on turnovers (12-2), including 7-0 on interceptions.
Senior linebacker Bobby Pierce leads the team tackle chart with 25 solo tackles. Freshman defensive end Sa'o Siavi'i has six tackles for loss and five sacks. Junior defensive end Cameron Penny has five tackles for loss and five hurries. Sophomore safety Dajni Brooks has 15 solo tackles, two interceptions, two hurries, and four pass breakups.
Friday's game is Senior Night.
"Every Friday night is special, especially for a senior," said Dreiling. "You only get so many chances to play this game."
EKL Schedule This Week
St. James at St. Thomas Aquinas
Blue Valley at Bishop Miege
Blue Valley North at Blue Valley Southwest
Pittsburg at Mill Valley
Blue Valley West at Blue Valley Northwest
