In the first ever meeting between the St. Thomas Aquinas and St. James Academy football teams, it was Aquinas which stuck to its game plan and crushed the Thunder 42-7 in a Kanas Class 5A state quarterfinal.

The victory puts the Saints, 9-2, one win away from a repeat appearance in the state title game.

“I feel like I’m saying this every week, but we’re making things happen on offense and our defense keeps shutting people down,” Aquinas Coach Randy Dreiling said.

After both teams made a few mistakes on the game’s opening drives on Friday night, Aquinas used its patented option offense to punch in a 7-yard touchdown run by running back James Cosentino for the game’s first score.

Cosentino finished the game with three touchdowns and 105 rushing yards in 12 carries. He did not play in the second half because Aquinas was ahead 42-0 at halftime.

With the help of an impressive offensive line, Cosentino and the Saints’ other running backs slammed the door on the St. James’ defense.

“They blocked amazing tonight and gave me the opportunity to run through those holes,” Cosentino said.

In the first half, Aquinas outrushed St. James 223 to 40 yards. Aquinas dominated the field position and time of possession.

Aquinas quarterback Karter Oderman showed off his option skills, rushing for 63 yards and two touchdowns.

Not only was the Aquinas offense clicking, but so was the Saints’ defense.

Aquinas held the Thunder, 9-2, on its side of midfield for almost the entire first half.

Defensive players Angel Dominguez and Christopher Schilling played key roles for Aquinas.

“That’s been our mantra. Play hard every play,” Dreiling said of his defense. “It took us a while to figure it out, and our kids are doing that now.”