St. Mary’s Defense Powers Dragons to Semifinals

St. Mary’s football team has fought its way to the state semifinals, securing a crucial 20-14 victory over Parkway North in a Class 4 quarterfinal game on Friday, November 21, 2025. The Dragons’ dominant defensive performance, spearheaded by senior linebacker Elijah Stueckel, proved instrumental in advancing their season.

Stueckel Leads the Defensive Charge

Senior Elijah Stueckel, a transfer from Alton High in his first season with the Dragons, was the undisputed star of the night. His decision to join St. Mary’s was influenced by a bold prediction from standout running back Kingston Miles last summer: “Come over here, we’re going to be playing for a state championship.” Those words are now ringing true.

Stueckel’s impact was felt early and often. He scored the game’s opening points by alertly scooping up a loose ball and returning a fumble 33 yards for a touchdown. He continued to be a thorn in Parkway North’s side, securing a key interception in the second half that helped stave off a Vikings rally and snapped their impressive 10-game winning streak.

“Defense carried us tonight,” St. Mary’s coach Raeffel Merriweather said. “On a night the offense had sort of a rough day, the defense stepped up in big ways for us tonight.”

Beyond his individual highlights, Stueckel has been a “magical piece to the defensive puzzle” all season, leading the unit with 135 tackles, five sacks, and three interceptions.

Offense Finds its Moments

While the defense shone, the offense delivered when it mattered most. Kingston Miles, an NCAA Division I recruit, rushed for an astounding 215 yards on 35 carries. His critical 90-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter extended St. Mary’s lead and deflated Parkway North’s late comeback efforts. Miles also scored on a 5-yard run earlier in the game to give the Dragons a 13-0 advantage.

“All I saw was green and there was no stopping me,” Miles recounted of his long run. “We needed it.”

Parkway North’s Offensive Struggles

The Parkway North Vikings, who entered the game averaging nearly 31 points per contest, found themselves stifled by the Dragons’ aggressive defense. In the first half, the Vikings managed a mere 23 plays for a negative 11 yards and only one first down. Despite a late push in the final period, including a 12-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Kenyon Bolden to Bryce Glasby, it was “a rhythm a little too late,” according to Parkway North coach Karl Odenwald.

The Dragons’ defense collected three interceptions and stopped Parkway North on downs three times, showcasing a complete team effort alongside Stueckel’s fumble recovery.

What’s Next for the Dragons

St. Mary’s (9-3) will now host Hannibal (10-2) at 1 p.m. on November 29 for a coveted spot in the state championship game. This marks a significant return to form for the Dragons, who faced sub-par campaigns in the past two seasons (4-7 in 2024 and 2-8 in 2023) after winning back-to-back state championships in 2021 (Class 3) and 2022 (Class 4).

“St. Mary’s is back,” declared Kingston Miles, echoing the sentiment of a rejuvenated team.

St. Mary’s Recent Playoff Journey

FAQs

• Who was the key defensive player for St. Mary’s?
  Elijah Stueckel, who recorded a fumble return for a touchdown, a crucial interception, and leads the team in tackles and sacks.
• What was the final score of the quarterfinal game?
  St. Mary’s defeated Parkway North 20-14.
• Who will St. Mary’s play in the state semifinals?
  The Dragons will host Hannibal.
• When is the next semifinal game?
  The game is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, at 1 p.m.
• What was Parkway North’s winning streak entering this game?
  Parkway North had won 10 consecutive games before their loss to St. Mary’s.

This decisive win, fueled by an impenetrable defense and timely offensive plays, proves that St. Mary’s has truly found its stride and is a formidable contender for the state title.

St Marys Defense Powers Dragons to Semifinals