The Eureka girls’ volleyball team had a big win over the district rival while the St. Louis University High School boys’ soccer team won a huge MCC battle to highlight a fantastic week of prep sports action. Plus, it is another big weekend of football as we enter week four.
Let’s get caught up in this week’s edition of the Friday Fast Break.
In a Metro Catholic Conference soccer action, the Jr. Bills improved to 5-2 on the year with a 3-2 victory over Vianney Thursday evening. After the two teams played to a 1-1 tie after the first 40 minutes, SLUH scored a pair of goals and held off a furious comeback by the Golden Griffins to claim the win. Lucas Hammond scored two goals to lead the Jr. Bills in the win while Christian Thro added a goal and assist in the victory. Vincent Cervantes and Aiden Mayer each scored for Vianney, who fell to 6-2-1 on the year.
In volleyball action, Eureka showed they are one of the teams to watch this Fall as the Wildcats defeated district rival Lafayette in straight sets to run their record to 7-1 on the year. Eureka won the first set 25-22 and claimed the second set in a close 25-21 win. The Wildcats closed out the match with a thrilling 25-22 win. Janna Cubbage paced the Eureka attack with 12 kills while Mia Berg added 10 kills in the win. Juliette Myrick also paced the Wildcats with 17 assists with Caroline Keithley adding 16 helpers in the win.
It will be a busy weekend on the gridiron as many of the top teams in the area will face off against each other.
In a rare game that will see a pair of defending state champions playing each other, St. Mary’s travels to St. Charles County to take on Lutheran St. Charles at 7 p.m. Friday. The Dragons have had a decisive advantage in the series as St. Mary’s has won the past six matchups, including a 54-12 win last year. The Dragons are 2-1 on the year and are coming off a 21-20 loss to Neuqua Valley last week. Jamal Roberts leads the Dragons rushing attack with 431 yards on the ground while John Roberts, Jr., has added another 241 yards rushing. Gabe Booker is leading the St. Mary’s defense with 20 tackles and a fumble recovery. The Cougars enter Friday’s game with a 3-0 record after a 45-3 win over St. Dominic last week. Quarterback Michael Gerdine paces the offense for Lutheran St. Charles with 544 yards through the air with seven touchdown passes while Ayden Harris leads the ground attack with 329 yards and Allen Mitchell adds another 309 yards rushing. Harris is the leader on defense with 42 tackles on the season with Jamar Cross Jr., chipping in with 26 stops.
In a battle of undefeated teams, Marquette plays host to school district rival Eureka Friday evening in a 7 p.m. start. The Mustangs are looking to snap a two-game losing streak to the Wildcats and are 1-11 against Eureka in the series. Quarterback Jack Ahlbrand has started the season on a solid note with 413 yards passing and another 170 yards rushing with a total of five scores. Justin Jackson has gained 296 yards on the ground to pace the Marquette attack with two touchdowns while Connor Griebenow has added another 134 yards rushing. Brian Fitzmaurice to the defensive leader for the Mustangs with 24 tackles with Caleb Syfert adding 23 stops. The Wildcats are coming off a thrilling 31-30 victory over Kirkwood after Bryce Clark hit a 42-yard field goal as time expired to earn the win for Eureka. Kevin Emmanuel has been terrific in the early part of the season as he has rushed for 709 yards and has scored nine touchdowns through three games. Jace Peterson is at the controls of the Eureka offense with 16 completions for 153 yards and three scores. Ryan Thornhill has 27 tackles to lead the Wildcats on defense with Trenton Groff adding 21 more stops on the season.
There will be plenty of action going on this weekend in the other fall sports as St. Joseph’s Academy hosts many of the top volleyball teams in the area in a tourney while Belleville East is also hosting a tournament. On the tennis courts, the AAA conference will play their championships Saturday at Westminster starting at 9 a.m. while Festus will host many of the top cross country teams in their annual meet Saturday morning.
Jim Powers has been covering prep sports in the St. Louis area for 15+ years and a part of the Missouri State High School Activities Association Championship Broadcasts for the past 11 years. Powers is also a part of the Fox 2 Verlo Mattress Prep Zone Friday nights at 10:10 during the football and basketball seasons. If you have a prep sports story, please contact Jim at japowers2421@yahoo.com. Follow Jim at @hssportscaravan
