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October 16, 1998 John Carroll Field, Birmingham Game conditions: not yet available
St. James, ranked 10th in 3A in the latest AHSAA polls, visited 5A football territory for the first time ever as they traveled to suburban Birmingham and surprised the 7 - 1 John Carroll Cavaliers 30 - 18.
St. James piled up 405 yards in total offense (313 rushing), and scored touchdowns on their first four possessions, breaking some of the offensive doldrums the team had suffered earlier in the season. Jake McMillan, who finished with 186 yards rushing (a season high) on 32 carries, scored twice on touchedown runs of 14 and 32 yards. Michael Reid scored the other two touchdowns, on an 18 yard run and an 8 yard reception from Lee Murphy, both in the first half. Reid finished the game with 125 yards on 19 carries. The Trojans rushed for a total of 313 yards, and added 92 in passing.
John Carroll closed the margin with a second quarter 40 yard FG from Todd Rivers. The Cavaliers added third quarter touchdowns from Michael Brimage on a one yard run, and on a 24 yard pass from Chris Buczek to Jerry Carbonie. St. James nearly scored a late touchdown, but turned the ball over on downs. However, on first down in the last minute of the game, Jeremy Ingle tackled a John Carroll runner in the endzone for a safety and the final margin of twelve points.
The game recap was again thankfully provided by metro-Birmingham correspondent William Richardson.