ST. XAVIER (7-2) AT CINCINNATI ST. XAVIER (4-5)
* Kickoff: 7 p.m.
* Storyline: Tigers get tough road test in preparation for playoffs.
* St. Xavier: The Tigers ran their winning streak to three with a 35-6 victory at Butler last week. Senior running back Sam Taylor carried 28 times for 201 yards and four touchdowns and now has 1,070 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season. The Tigers are 2-5 against their namesakes from Cincinnati since 2009.
* Cincinnati St. Xavier: The Bombers have played one of the nation’s toughest schedules and dropped a 31-14 decision to Cleveland St. Ignatius last week. Projections in Ohio show the Bombers need a victory over the Tigers to secure a spot in the playoffs. Senior quarterback Sean Clifford has committed to Penn State but has been plagued by injuries this season and missed last week’s game. Offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst (6 feet 5, 297 pounds) has committed to Clemson.
* Quotable: “Playing a team the caliber of Cincinnati St. X, we’re going to win and get better no matter what the scoreboard says,” Tigers coach Will Wolford said. “We’re not there yet. Hopefully we’re there at the end of the season and we’re lucky enough to play that long. But we haven’t arrived yet.”
* The pick: Cincinnati St. Xavier 17-14.