St. James Academy relied on its defense and opportunistic plays for a 21-7 win in a Top 25 faceoff on Friday night.

The Thunder, No. 14 in the 810 Varsity Top 25, capitalized from four Huskies turnovers, including two in the red zone to stave scoring threats.

St. James (2-1) started early with a six-yard touchdown run by Jake House for a 7-0 with 5:42 left in the first quarter. On its second possession, the Huskies mounted a 12-play drive inside the SJA 10, but turned over on downs.

Then right before half, quarterback John Hornback connected with Preston Canzoneri for a 13-yard touchdown strike, and a 14-0 lead at intermission.

The duo hooked up again for a 31-yard scoring reception with 9:02 in the third period, and suddenly the Thunder led, 21-0. 

Northwest (2-1) looked to climb back into the game, but a fumble on a goal-to-go in the third quarter halted the threat. Another fumble in the red zone in the fourth quarter and an interception to end the game accounted for four turnovers. The Huskies did score with 4:56 left when Aidan Ihm hit Logan Chandler for a six-yard touchdown pass to bring the score to 21-7.

St. James Academy will host Blue Valley next Friday, while the Huskies will host Washburn Rural.