The Saint's won tonight in a 17-12 rout of Garder-Edgerton for the sub-state championship, propelling Aquinas to it's first ever state championship game appearance.

The team scored first with a touchdown from a quarterback keep by Ricky Nachbar.  We followed that up with a field goal by David Baska.  The first half ended 17-7.  The Saints accomplished two interceptions and a blocked punt along with the scoring.

Early in the second half, Nachbar went down with an injury, (I was literally right where he lunged out of bounds and called for Lillis and Travis the trainer, it was ugly).  Head coach Kevin Kopecky went to former starting quarterback and current Linebacker, Beau Borquin.  Bourquin did a a great job stepping into the job with several passes to brother Zach Bourquin.     

Yes, that is a cheer courtesy of our Saint's cheerleaders. 

Tonight we had a school bonfire aptly named the "Go Saints, Beat Gardner" Bonfire.  Around 100 people showed up for the event.  The Saphire Dance Team performed, along with the cheerleaders and the Brigade band.  Head Coach Kevin Kopecky gave a couple words along with seniors Ryan Nelson, Zach Bourquin, David Baska and Kyle Brown.

The school is hyped up and is planning to show up in force with spirit buses.  The team is going for a histoic Aquinas record of getting past the state semi-finals.

Tonight Aquinas is playing Topeka Seaman High School in a sectional football contest.  The score at the half it 42-14.  You might wonder why this is just a half time update, well, it is so cold that I came home during Half-time to warm up and write for all of you loving fans.

The fans gradually gathered in and soon were huddling for warmth while cheering for the team and the managers alike.  It might be as cold as Russia in Rocky IV.  (Probably not, but the movie was on today and I love it.)

The game was started by an amazing kick-off return by senior Jordan Brandenburg that placed the Saints inside the 1.  Two plays later, Quarterback Ricky Nachbar ran it in, 1 yard, for a touchdown.  The Saints were on the board.  Soon after, Gabe Cunning ran in another touchdown after a 30 yard pass play giving the Saints a 14-0 lead.  David Baska's PATs have been perfect so far.  With 1:44 left in the first quarter, Topeka scored.