Cedar Rapids Xavier Charges Into Class 4A Final After Late Rally

An undefeated season on the line. A double-digit deficit in the third quarter. None of it seemed to matter to #1-ranked Cedar Rapids Xavier, as the Saints march on to the Class 4A championship game.

Overcoming a Big Second Half Deficit

Cedar Rapids Xavier took on Newton in a Class 4A state semi-final at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls on Thursday. Xavier was 12-0 on the season and the #1 seed in the Class 4A playoffs. But Newton proved to be more than a challenge, leading the Saints 17-3 in the third quarter, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette. 

Trick Play by Newton Backfires

The Gazette reports that Cedar Rapids Xavier pulled to within one score in the third quarter. The game then changed on a trick play by Newton. On fourth and four, from its own 23-yard line, Newton tried a fake punt. The Saints weren't fooled, stuffing Newton and getting great field position. They would go on to tie the game at 17 with five minutes left in the third quarter, according to the Gazette.

Game Winning Touchdown

Both teams would tack on another touchdown, and the score was tied at 24 with just over 7 minutes to play. The Gazette reports that each team then went three-and-out on its next three possessions. Cedar Rapids Xavier would get the ball at their own 12-yard line with 5:42 left in the game. Quarterback Cash Parks would score the winning touchdown with 3:26 left in the game, and Cedar Rapids Xavier would hold on for the comeback win.

When is the Class 4A Championship Game?

Cedar Rapids Xavier will play Pella next Thursday night in the Class 4A title game at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls. The Gazette reports that the Saints will be seeking their fifth title, and their first since 2022.

Check out the remaining schedule for the playoffs HERE.