St Xavier High School - Xaverian Yearbook (Junction City, KS)

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John Briestensky gains yardage on a down field run in the Alma game as Rob Sanders (23) and Pat Pound (17) lead the blocking. 1968 Record OPPONENT OPPONENT'S SCORE RAMS Washington 12 18 Mankato 37 12 Victoria 6 7 Solomon 14 34 White City 19 49 Hope 6 13 Luckey 6 67 Trinity 0 34 Alma 0 52 Frank Valdez (18) heads goalward after picking up a fumble in the Alma game.

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Rams Win League Crown An extremely rugged and spirited 1968 Rams' team won the first Century League Championship in the history of the school, and completed the season with a brilliant record of eight wins against a single defeat. Directed by Coach Max Martin and led by a large crop of returning lettermen, the team rebounded from a disappointing previous sea- son to one filled with honor, prestige, and success. The powerful offensive unit, which amassed a total of 286 points, can attribute its success to a full team effort. The ground attack was paced by star halfback John Briestensky, who led the team in scoring and rushing, and quarterback Henry Jones. The blocking, led by stalwarts John Gustafson and Harry Lauri, was highly responsible for the ground game. The passing wizardry of Jones, which was complimented by the fine receiving of Rob Sanders, Steve Hoover, and Briestinsky, produced additional offensive power. A spirited defensive unit, led by the fierce pass rush of Lauri, Gustafson, and Hoover, and the pass coverage of Jones and Dan Schmidt, kept the oppo- nents in check. Linemen Greg Hargreaves and Gus Gustafson also contributed heavily, as did line- backers Dan Hebert, Frank Valdez, and Richard Nenow. The Rams opened the season with an 18-12 win at Washington, followed by their only loss of the season at the hands of a rugged Mankato team. The third game saw the Rams emerge as winners over Victoria. Consecutive league victories over Solomon, White City, Hope, and Luckey captured the league championship. The 34-14 win over league favorite Solomon was especially significant. By trouncing Luckey 67-6, the Rams avenged a 70-19 defeat of the previous season. The final two games saw the Rams roll over Trinity and Alma. A fine group of graduating Seniors can look back on this season with pride in their hearts, as can the entire school. Meanwhile, returning players can use it for incentive in future seasons. Coach Martin places the first place trophy in the trophy case as Athletic Director Jim Westerhaus looks on approvingly. Tim Stepan (16) is stopped on the sidelines as John Gustafson (36) and Rob Sanders (23) approach. 28

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Five Rams Gain League Honors In addition to winning the Century League Championship, the Rams placed five players on the all-league team. John Brienstensky, who paced the Rams in scoring with fifteen touch- downs and rushing with 794 yards, was selected to the first all-league offensive team. Quarterback Henry Jones, who sparked the team with his run- ning and passing, made both the first offensive and defensive teams. Rams' end Steve Hoover made the first offensive team on the strength of his blocking and receiving, while line stalwart Harry Lauri was selected to the first defensive unit. John Gustafson, who led the Rams all season with his outstanding blocking and tackling, was selected to both the first offensive and defensive unit on the strength of his staller performance. Several Rams' players on the sideline watch second-quarter action as Greg Hargreaves (26) tackles a Washington ball carrier. 30