SMA Crusaders Win KCAA Championship

The St. Mary’s Academy Crusaders topped off a successful 8-1 football season with a victory in Wichita where they defeated their very competitive rival, the Warriors, 50-42, for the Kansas Christian Athletic Association (KCAA) Division II championship.  The Crusaders fought hard to win, making big plays at critical moments, including three onside kick recoveries, four interceptions, and four defensive fumble recoveries.

The match-up earlier in the season resulted in the Crusaders’ only loss, when a late-in-the-game drive by the Warriors put them over the top, 62-60.  From that day on, reports Coach Tom Gayner, “the boys knew what they had to do—win the rest of their games to earn a trip to Wichita for the championship. . . . and they didn’t fail. . . . it was truly a team win.”  Gayner describes the team as quick and well-disciplined.  It has plenty of depth, too, with multiple capable players at each position.  “I’m proud of all the boys for their hard work, especially the leadership of our four seniors,” Coach Gayner noted, “and I am grateful for my coaches.”