Bettendorf falls 21-14 in state semifinal

A second and goal for Bettendorf turned into a 97-yard fumble recovery and touchdown for Cedar Rapids Xavier, giving the Saints a 21-14 victory in the state 4A football semifinal Friday night (11/10).

The Bulldogs were poised to score the go-ahead touchdown with less than two minutes to play, but the one-play turnaround left Bettendorf fans stunned. The Saints move on to play Southeast Polk, a 27-14 winner over West Des Moines Valley.

The Bulldogs scored in the first period after intercepting the Saints on their 29-yard line, but Xavier tied the game up just before the half after a 68-yard drive.

Bettendorf finishes the season at 10-2, while Xavier remains unbeaten at 12-0.