WATCH: St. X Tops Manual 21-10 in Kroger KSR Game of the Week

I made my first-ever trip to St. Xavier High School on Friday for the Kroger KSR Game of the Week. The Tigers beat the visiting Manual Crimsons 21-10 in a top 5 matchup. St. X is the number one ranked team in Kentucky and the Tigers showed why after a victorious performance against the previously undefeated Manual Crimsons. 

I really didn’t know what to expect when I made the trip to the home of the defending 6A state champions. I knew of the 13-state titles but not much more. I was not disappointed. The campus is located off Poplar Level Road which is a familiar area to me because the Louisville Zoo is located nearby. The entrance to the campus was pristine and immaculately manicured. The setting was as beautiful as I’ve seen during my trek across the Commonwealth. 

The buildings are all named after folks and it felt like I was entering a university’s grounds. The home field is named Brother Thomas More Page Stadium. I was greeted at the gate with hospitality and friendly faces. I was even given a guided tour of the athletic facilities. We walked past rows and rows of state championship trophies from a multitude of sports throughout the hallways. I was also quite impressed by the enduring excellence and pride taken in the school’s accomplishments. A trip to the gift shop ensued; I scored a sweet St. X hoodie for Ellie as you can see below. 

The football atmosphere was college-like. Fans dressed in St. X gear were plentiful. Tailgating was active prior to kickoff. Loud, sustained cheers followed inside the stadium.  

Manual is an extremely well-coached team and a legitimate top 5 program with state championship hopes. Both sides of the football are loaded with talent. The Crimsons jumped out to a 10-0 lead but the Tigers scored just before halftime to cut the advantage to 10-7. St. X dominated the time of possession and scoreboard in the second half to win the game 21-10. I have a feeling that these two teams could see each other in the playoffs. 

You can watch all the action through Steven Peake’s video below. 

I greatly enjoyed my first trip to St. X. I got to see my old friend Mike Meiners who is a proud alum. I also got to meet St. X receivers coach Noah Houk, whose dad (Jeff) and I were teammates and very close friends. Good stuff. Generations of families have ties to the school which presented a certain sense of a unique community. I’ll be back. 

Football state. 

Kroger is a staple in your hometown community just like high school football. There’s nothing quite like Friday nights in the Bluegrass. We are honored to share this journey with Kroger and you for the third consecutive season.