The Helias Crusaders still have several goals left this season.
They can achieve one of those in Week 9 - a signature win. The opportunity comes Saturday night when Helias hosts DeSmet at Adkins Stadium. Game time is 7 p.m.
"It's an opportunity to get a victory against a Class 6 school," Helias coach Tim Rulo said. "We want to get one of those this season.
"We want to do what Helias has always done, defeat a bigger school."
DeSmet, a member of the Metro Catholic Conference in St. Louis, will bring a 2-6 record into the contest. After winning two of their first three games, the Spartans have dropped five straight.
"Their record isn't great, but you can't judge that when you look at who they've played," Rulo said.
The Spartans' opponents have a combined record of 43-20 after eight weeks. Among DeSmet's losses are decisions against Hazelwood Central, St. Louis University High, C.B.C., Vianney, Chaminade and Jackson.
All five are either currently ranked or have been this season in Class 5 or Class 6.
DeSmet averaged 29 points in its first three games. But in its last five, that average has tumbled to eight.
"They've had a bit of a down time recently, but this is a young team that will continue to improve," Rulo said. "They're trying to get the program moving in the right direction.
"They have some weapons, they put up some points early in the season. They just haven't been able to put it all together in the past few weeks. I think a lot of that has to do with their youth."
On offense, the Spartans operate out of the spread.
Sophomore quarterback Nate Martens is 72-of-141 through the air for 1,216 yards. He has thrown for 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Four Spartan receivers have at least 10 receptions this season. Jack Ilewski (6-1, 190 sr.) leads the foursome with 17 catches for 331 yards. Grant Stegman (6-1, 175 soph.) also has 17 catches for 127 yards. Hunter Schoenig (5-10, 180 jr.) has 15 catches for 238 yards, while Bryant Perry (6-2, 195 sr.) has been a big-play presence with 10 catches for 328 yards and a team-high four touchdowns.
"They've got some athletes that can go out and catch the football," Rulo said.
The run game has been virtually non-existent for the Spartans. Cameron Rodgers (5-11, 190 soph.) has a team high 143 yards this season, two more than Julian Fowler (5-8, 175 sr.).
Defensively, the Spartans have struggled in the last five weeks as well. DeSmet has allowed 244 points (48.8) in its losing streak.
DeSmet operates out of a 4-2-5 defense, with all but two lineman standing up.
Spartan senior linemen Keenan Agnew (6-1, 290) and Adam Winter (6-3, 245) have stood out on film, Rulo said.
"They get off the ball fast," he said. "They just fly up the field, they're so aggressive."
Rulo believes the Spartans will be a confident team Saturday night.
"I'm sure they're thinking this is a game they should win, playing a Class 4 school," he said. "They're trying to get the wheels turning in the right direction again and I'm sure they think a win against us will do that."
Rock Bridge is a common opponent for Helias and DeSmet. The Spartans defeated the Bruins 32-27 in Week 2, while the Crusaders dropped a 46-33 decision to the Bruins two weeks ago.
Helias is coming off a 44-7 Homecoming win against Kirksville last Saturday.
The Crusaders limited the Tigers to less than 50 total yards in the final 31/2 quarters.
"Once we found the right recipe, things went better for us," Rulo said.
Helias will celebrate Senior Night on Saturday, honoring 23 players.
"It has been a blessing to coach these guys the last two years," Rulo said. "There are so many times I have wished that I had the opportunity to coach these guys all four years.
"All of them come to practice every day and work so hard to do what they can do to make this program better. We have a lot of seniors who have embraced their roles. You have some cool games and Senior Night is one of them."
Notes: Heading into the final week of the regular season, Helias has a firm grip on the No. 2 seed in the Class 4 District 7 standings. Warrenton, the No. 3 seed, would have to win by 13 more points tonight against Fort Zumwalt East and Helias would have to lose by 13 or more to DeSmet for the two teams to flip positions. The No. 2 seed has the opportunity to host at least two district games. If the district standings don't change, Helias would host Warrensburg in the opening round. Jake Burnett's interception return for a touchdown against Kirksville last Saturday was Helias' first defensive score of the season. Helias senior lineman Brede Stewart will return to the lineup after missing the Kirksville game.
Helias Catholic hosts DeSmet, 7 p.m.
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