Indians stand one win away from final

St. Vincent faces Marionville today for the right to play for the Class 1 championship.

By Jeremy Joffray ~ Southeast Missourian

It has been four years since St. Vincent last got to play in the Show Me Bowl.

The Indians lost 12-0 to Santa Fe in 2000, the second appearance in the Class 1 state title game in three years for St. Vincent. A third straight road playoff game stands in the way of St. Vincent making a return trip to the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

"They're excited. You have to take it one game at a time," St. Vincent coach Keith Winkler said. "They're excited to be playing this game. They're just happy to be in the final four."

After getting wins after long road trips in the sectional and quarterfinal rounds, St. Vincent (11-1) will travel to defending Class 1 state champion Marionville (11-1) for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff today.

"They're the defending state champs until they lose," Winkler said. "It's something we have to take as a challenge."

St. Vincent has made it this far with a blend of timely offense, strong defense and solid special teams. Monday's quarterfinal win over Salisbury followed St. Vincent's blueprint for success. The Indians played air-tight defense, shutting out undefeated Salisbury, made some big plays on special teams and added enough offense to seal the deal. Through two state playoff games, St. Vincent has outscored its opponents 43-7.

Marionville has been equally impressive, knocking off undefeated Pierce City 20-0 in the sectional round and Greenfield 35-12 in the quarterfinals. This will be the first home playoff game for Marionville after consecutive road wins.

"I think they're real similar [to us]," Winkler said. "They have a nice big offensive line, they run the ball well and -- when they have to -- they throw it."

Marionville rushed for 342 yards on 46 carries against Greenfield. While not known for its passing game, Marionville got three touchdown passes from quarterback Paden Grubbs in the win.

St. Vincent's multi-headed running attack will be counted on to provide the bulk of the offense against the Comets. Waylon Richardet led St. Vincent's quarterfinal attack with 107 yards rushing on 15 carries. Kyle Kline added a key 32-yard touchdown run to seal the victory.

East Buchanan (12-0) will face Santa Fe (11-1) in the other Class 1 semifinal.