Wagers, Parties Mark Saint Xavier's Big Game

If the Chicago Bears have let you down then grab a barstool and turn your eyes toward another champion in the making right in our own backyard.

For the first time in school history, has advanced to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Football National Championship.

The Cougars take on Carroll College in a game that will be televised on the CBS Sports Network starting at 3:30 p.m. CST on Saturday.

To make things more interesting, Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) has placed a friendly wager with Congressman Denny Rehberg (MT) on the outcome of Saturday’s National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Football National Championship.

If the Saint Xavier Cougars defeat six-time champion Carroll College, Rep. Rehberg will deliver two six packs of Lewis & Clark Amber from the Lewis and Clark Brewing Company in Helena, Montana. Should the Carroll College Fighting Saints win, Rep. Lipinski will deliver a growler of beer from Harrison’s Brewery in Orland Park.

Both congressmen also engaged in some gentlemanly trash talk:

"I firmly believe the best is yet to come,” Lipinski said. “When the dust settles down in Rome, Georgia, I predict there will be a new NAIA National Champion. Nothing could be sweeter than to take down the defending champs.”

“Montanans are lucky because our fans get to cheer our college teams through post season playoffs, and eventually an authentic championship game,” Rehberg said. “I appreciate the enthusiasm from my good friend Dan from Illinois, but I think I’ll be collecting next week. Go Saints!”

For a real fan experience, watch the game with Xav’s alumni and students at Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon at Saint Xavier, 3901 West 103rd Street in Chicago. Doors open at 2 p.m. and kickoff is at 3:30 p.m., Saturday (Dec. 17). There will be raffles, drink specials all day and a free buffet during halftime. 

You can also watch the game on TV from your home. Invite your friends and family and host your own viewing party. The game will be aired on the following channels:

·       Comcast: 418, 232 HD

·       AT&T U-verse: 643, 1643 HD

·       Dish Network: 152, 9495 HD

·       DirectTv: 613

·       or check the CBS Sports Network website to find your local cable channel

READ MORE Xav's football stories on Patch.