St. Xavier Defense Stifles Centerville in 20-7 Victory

A smothering defense and a hot start carried St. Xavier to a 20-7 win over Centerville Friday night at RDI Stadium, pushing the Bombers to 2-0 on the season.

Quarterback Jackson Frey was sharp early, tossing two first-half touchdowns as St. X built a commanding lead. Frey hit Cameron Taylor on a 32-yard strike midway through the first quarter, then found Aidan Newdigate from seven yards out just before halftime. By the break, the Bombers were in control, 17-0.

"We came out fast and set the tone," Taylor said. "Coach told us to be aggressive, and Jackson put the ball right where it needed to be."

Kicker Owen Davidson added a pair of field goals — from 36 and 33 yards — and consistently pinned Centerville deep with booming kickoffs that averaged more than 55 yards.

The defense did the rest. The Bombers held the Elks to just 109 total yards and a single third-down conversion all night. Linebacker Kobe Clapper led the charge with nine tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble, while Jake Britt snagged an interception. St. X's front seven harassed Centerville quarterback Shane Cole into a 2-for-12 passing night.

Centerville's lone highlight came in the fourth quarter when Cole connected with Josh Becker for a 28-yard touchdown. But it was far too late against a Bombers defense that controlled the trenches from start to finish.

"We knew if we could control the line of scrimmage, we'd be in good shape," Clapper said. "Everyone did their job tonight."

Frey finished 14-of-22 for 144 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball to five different receivers. Taylor led the way with 59 yards through the air, while S. Stegbauer paced the ground game with 68 yards on 15 carries.

The Bombers dominated time of possession nearly three-to-one and overcame three turnovers thanks to their defense's relentless pressure and timely plays.

With the win, St. Xavier stays unbeaten heading into a pivotal early-season stretch. Centerville, meanwhile, falls to 0-2 and will look to regroup next week.



Pictures from the Game Can be Found -> https://stxavier.smugmug.com/2025-26-School-Year/Football-Varsity-2025-26/20250829-St-Xavier-vs-Centerville *Courtesy of Milt Wentzel