The Xavier Saints have cruised to four straight victories this season and have walloped their opponents by a combined score of 198-35.

Coach Duane Schulte isn't sure if he wants a tough game to challenge his team or not, but he's convinced he's going to get one from Kennedy.

"I think we're going to be tested this Friday night," he said. "Kennedy is a good football team. They're big and fast."

On paper, it's a mismatch. The Saints have won four straight and are ranked No.4 in Class 4A by the Des Moines Register. The Cougars have lost four straight and have had problems scoring.

"When we play Kennedy the records really don't matter," said Xavier quarterback Reggie Schulte, the coach's son. "They have a bunch of tough kids. They have a great offensive and defensive line. They fly to the ball.

"We're definitely not taking them for granted," he said. "We know they're a good team, so we have to be ready to go Friday night."

The Cougars have lost games by 7, 8, 11 and 21 points, so they're not getting blown out. Tailback Alex Hillyer has rushed for 600 yards behind a good offensive line.

"Hillyer is a tough back," said Coach Schulte. "Fergus (quarterback Riley Fergus) is a good athlete. And defensively they swarm to the ball, like they always do. They've lost some close games. So Kennedy will be tough."

Sooner or later, the Saints will be challenged. They know it's coming and believe they're ready.

"I think that we can certainly handle four quarters," said Corbin Woods, who has excelled as a receiver and punt returner. "I know we haven't played any yet, but we condition every day in practice.

"I think it would be good for the team."

Reggie Schulte is one of the most accurate and productive passers in the state. He's hit 41 of 54 tosses for 75.9 percent and is tied for the most TD passes in Class 4A with 14 (with only one interception).

Cal Stovie, who rushed for 488 yards in Xavier's first three games, has been lost for the season with a torn ACL, but Brendan Miller took his place last week and rushed for 222 yards against Wahlert, including a 64-yard touchdown on his first carry.