The Saints (3-0) have opened with wins over St. James, Bishop Miege, and Raytown.  The Cougars (2-0) have defeated Shawnee Mission East and Shawnee Mission North, allowing six points total in two games.

The two teams' coaches will meet on the field for the first time since 2009, when Aquinas coach Randy Dreiling was at Hutchinson and SM Northwest coach Bo Black was at Great Bend.

"I've known Bo for many years and since we both moved up this way and live so close to each other, we get together and visit frequently," said Dreiling.  Black's son, Ty, a senior, is the SM Northwest quarterback.  "I've also known Ty since he was a baby.  He has had an unbelievable career.  Coaches' kids at quarterback are always dangerous."

SM Northwest replaced Christian Brothers on the schedule when the game with the St. Louis school was cancelled when the season began.  

The Cougars were 7-3 in 2019, defeating Blue Valley Northwest and falling to Blue Valley West in the Class 6A playoffs.

"We were able to put together a challenging schedule this season, even with all the changes," said Dreiling.  "Shawnee Mission Northwest is another opportunity for us to see some new looks and get better."

The Saints' average margin of victory so far in 2020 is 32-16.  They have had close contests the past two weeks against Miege and Raytown after beating St. James, 28-0.

Aquinas is out-gaining opponents on average by nearly 100 yards, 357-262, including a margin of over 200 yards in the running game, 332-113.  Aquinas has gained 93 percent of its total offense with the running game.

"Our offensive line is getting better each week," said Dreiling.  "They're driving us down the field and being aggressive from start to finish." 

Aquinas plugged in sophomore fullback, Sean Carroll, last week, and he rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.  

The Saints have relied on a stingy defense.  They limited Raytown to 202 yards last week.  But for Raytown converting four of five fourth-down conversion attempts, the Saints defensive statistics would have been even better.

The Saints' defensive performances also are as good as they are, despite opponents leading Aquinas in big plays (greater than 20 yards), 19-7.

"Our defense is getting more consistent each week," said Dreiling.  "It's important to our success that we get the other team off the field and limit big plays."

All four defensive linemen continue to lead the team tackle chart.  The Aquinas defense has 31 hurries, 15 tackles for loss,  and 6 sacks.