High school roundup: Valle Catholic routs St. Vincent football team

The St. Vincent football team was trounced in its season opener, dropping a 62-0 decision against district rival and defending Class 1 champion Valle Catholic on Friday at St. Vincent High School in Perryville, Missouri.

The Warriors (1-0) carried a 56-0 lead into halftime after posting a pair of 28-point quarters in the first half.

St. Vincent coach Nathan Rowland said there was hardly anything in Friday's game that would allow his team to build confidence.

"We didn't execute in any aspect of the game," he said. "We had issues on offense, defense and special teams, so we're going to use that as a learning situation for these guys and let them know that if they plan on playing with the teams from around this area, they're going to have to play much better and a lot more focused."

The two teams met twice last season, during which the Indians (0-1) were defeated by a combined score of 125-7.

Rowland said establishing a running game was the biggest challenge for his team against Valle.

"We couldn't get any running game going, and if you become one-dimensional against a great team like Valle, they're just going to be able to keep you from sustaining drives," Rowland said. "That's exactly what they did."

Despite the loss, Rowland said he told his players to remain focused on improving.

"It's a long season. We have a lot more games to play," Rowland said. "... We can build off some of the positives we saw. Our quarterback (Joe Whistler) played very well. He stayed in the pocket, took some hits and was able to deliver some passes. We can build from that."

SOFTBALL

Saxony Lutheran 11, Puxico 0

Ashlynn Collier blasted a triple and drove in three runs to lead the Crusaders in their season-opening victory at home in five innings over the Indians.

Kelli Brunke picked up her first win in the circle. She pitched a complete game and recorded two strikeouts.

Logan Welker had a double and batted in two additional runs for Saxony Lutheran (1-0).

Puxico 000 00 -- 0 1 4

Saxony 560 0X -- 11 9 0

WP -- Kelli Brunke, 1-0. LP -- Danielle Roberts, 0-1. 3B -- Ashlynn Collier (SL), Cassidy Wunderlich (SL). 2B -- Grace Mirly (SL), Logan Welker (SL). Multiple hits -- Saxony Lutheran: Ashlynn Collier 2-3, Logan Welker 2-3.

BOYS SOCCER

Jackson 7, Saxony Lutheran 0

Josh Scholl netted two goals and had two assists as the Indians kicked off their season with a victory at home over the crosstown rival Crusaders.

Justice Crosnoe and Liam Gray added two goals apiece for Jackson (1-0). Aaron Voshage scored one goal for the Indians.

Goalkeeper Brayden Emmons had four saves in the shutout.

The Indians will take a week off before they hit the field next on Thursday, Sept. 3, in the Notre Dame SoccerFest against Poplar Bluff.

JV -- Jackson won 6-0

VOLLEYBALL

Advance 25 25, Meadow Heights 11 13

The Hornets debuted their season with a straight-set victory over the Panthers at home.

"Both teams played very aggressive tonight," first-year Advance coach Erin Hoffman said. "...I saw the 'team' aspect of the game coming through tonight."

JV -- Advance won 25-17, 25-19

Zalma 25 15 25, Eagle Ridge 11 25 10

Sophomore Lacie VanGennip recorded five kills, three blocks and three aces as the host Bulldogs opened their season with a three-set victory over the Eagles.

Junior Jenny Pullam tallied three kills, three aces and three digs for Zalma (1-0). Sophomore Julia Gregory and freshman Alexis Hubbert added three kills apiece for the Bulldogs. Junior Kelsee Montgomery served four aces and dished out 11 assists while freshman libero Tiffany Clark notched four digs for the Bulldogs.

JV -- Zalma won 25-11, 25-20

-- From staff reports