Familiar hands held the Rectors’ Bowl trophy Saturday night as the St. John Vianney Jaxx defeated the St. Paul Seminary Sons of Thunder 19-12 in the 14th annual Rectors’ Bowl football game at O’Shaughnessy Stadium.

Seminarians from all classes participated, and the game began with excitement and eagerness among both the players and the fans.

Msgr. Aloysius Callaghan said the competition is always exciting.

“The best part of the game is seeing these young men give it their all,” Callaghan said.

The Sons of Thunder tallied the first points of the game as receiver Doug Liebsch caught a pass from quarterback Jason Miller in the end zone.

A deep pass from Jaxx quarterback Tanner Harris to wideout Tony Klein set up a St. John Vianney touchdown by Andrew Rydlund.

The teams went into halftime tied 6-6, but Callaghan said such a close game was a blessing.

“One reason our archbishop is here is to bless both sides, and he is enjoying the game this evening. We’re glad to have our shepherd with us,” Callaghan said.

The scoring went back and forth as the Jaxx scored again twice, and the Sons of Thunder scored once.

On its last possession, the St. Paul Seminary team had a chance to tie the with a pass far downfield, but the St. John Vianney defense denied any hope of a victory by knocking down the pass in the game’s final seconds.

The Jaxx win marks the third victory in four years.

Jesse Krull can be reached at krul7386@stthomas.edu.