Last Friday, our Crusader football boys made St. Dominic history after winning the district championship for the first time ever. The team fought hard against the Hazelwood East Spartans and ended the night with a 43-21 lead. It’s been a long road to get this far, but the varsity football team’s hard work and dedication paid off.

From the endless months of summer practices to the cold fall mornings and long film sessions, there is no doubt our boys’ win was well deserved. Their dedication to the football program and resilience to fight until the end was on full display last Friday.

“When I step onto the field, I’m determined to play this game better than the last. To me, teamwork is the key to being successful, and I felt as if the whole team went in with that mindset,” senior tight end Ryan Schwendemen said.

Winning districts was a team effort, but there were several crucial players who contributed to this achievement. Juniors Jackson Overton and Sam Cross and senior Matthew Willenbrink led the Crusaders with their touchdowns. After losing in districts last year, the boys were eager to not let this opportunity slip through their fingers.

“Last year we had our eyes on the prize but came up short. The year before that, we were eliminated in a tough game against Hannibal in the district semi-final. I was going to do anything in my power to bring home that district plaque and make history. My teammates and I put in too much work over our high school careers to not go all the way,” Overton said.

Their triumph was not a surprise to Coach Blake Markway, who believes his team’s best work comes at the end of the season. His players share his confidence, choosing to work together to pull through to victory.

“I was so happy for not just our team but for our whole program and school community. This achievement was earned by the hard work of every player on the team as well as the commitment of our parents, our administration and our students and fans that helped us reach our goal in all their efforts. It was a great moment for St. Dominic,” Coach Markway said.

We could not be more proud of our Crusaders and their incredible victory. Although last weekend was one for the books, the football team’s season is not over yet. Be sure to come support our boys on our home field as they compete in sectionals this Saturday at noon!