Football Game Preview: St. James Academy Thunder vs. Blue Valley West Jaguars

The St. James Academy Thunder will challenge the Blue Valley West Jaguars at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. St. James Academy will be looking to extend their current five-game winning streak.

St. James Academy is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Kansas' top teams: Kapaun Mt. Carmel, who was ranked 12th at the time (St. James Academy was ranked fourth). The Thunder narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past the Crusaders 38-35. The Thunder's offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

John Hornback

Passing Yards (Career)

10/17/25 vs Kapaun Mt. Carmel	283
09/12/25 @ Saint Thomas Aquinas	246
10/03/25 @ St. Pius X	173
09/26/25 vs Blue Valley	133
09/19/25 @ Blue Valley Northwest	103

St. James Academy's win on Friday was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from John Hornback, who threw for 283 yards and four TDs. Those 283 passing yards gave Hornback a new career-high. Another rusher making a difference was Jake House, who gained 127 total yards and two touchdowns.

Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Blue Valley West faced off against Blue Valley on Thursday. The Jaguars fell 28-21 to the Tigers.

St. James Academy's victory bumped their record up to 6-1. As for Blue Valley West, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-5.

Friday's contest might be decided in the trenches. St. James Academy has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 192.4 rushing yards per game. It's a different story for Blue Valley West, though, as they've been averaging only 59.6 rushing yards. How will they fare against such a dominant running game?

St. James Academy came up short against Blue Valley West in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, falling 27-21. Will the Thunder have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.