![Xavier senior Carter Valentine (36) bursts through the Hempstead line during the second quarter of Friday night's game at Dalzell Field in Dubuque. Valentine rushed for 134 yards and three touchdowns and the Xavier defense pitched its third straight shutout in a 34-0 win. (Photo by Ken Gilchrist)](/images/photos/xavier/football/9.09.11 crx fb carter valentine.jpg)
Xavier pitches 3rd straight shutout
DUBUQUE – It was just another day at the office for the Cedar Rapids Xavier defense.
The Saints, who have not allowed a single point this season, kept the streak alive Friday with a 34-0 drubbing of winless Dubuque Hempstead at Dalzell Field.
Xavier (3-0), ranked No. 10 in Class 4A, posted its third shutout in as many games. The Saints limited Hempstead (0-3) to only 188 yards of total offense and eight first downs.
Xavier linebacker Jack Boland credited the team’s defensive line for allowing the second-level defenders opportunities to make plays.
"It makes it a lot easier for us as linebackers,” Boland said. “They got a great push up front.”
Boland and his first-string teammates were also pulling for the Saints’ scout team late in the fourth quarter.
The backup Saints held strong and kept Hempstead off the scoreboard, much to the delight of defensive coordinator Jim O’Connell.
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