Xavier High School will welcome members of its 2006 Class 4A state championship football team Friday night during the district football game against Charles City at Saints Field.

A reception will be held in the Xavier commons/cafeteria beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. Memorabilia from the 2006 season will be on display in the commons through halftime of the varsity game.

Members of the 2006 team will be introduced at the conclusion of halftime festivities during the varsity game.

With a varsity roster size of 49 players, the Saints captured the crown of the largest class in the state with a perfect 13-0 record.

The 2006 season was filled with many memorable moments, including arguably one of the most thrilling plays in Iowa high school football playoff history in the state semifinal game against perennial power Bettendorf.

Xavier's Josh Lorenson forced a fumble in the waning minutes of a tied game, and the fumble was recovered by Xavier's David Drahozal and returned 95 yards for a Saints touchdown. The play would come to be known in the Xavier community as the "Immaculate Recovery," propelling the Saints to a 21-14 victory over the Bulldogs.

The Saints were then victorious over Southeast Polk, 21-6, to win the state championship.

The 2006 Saints hold a number of team and individual school records, including most rushing yards in a season (2,860 yards) and least rushing yards allowed in a season (909 yards). Following the 2006 campaign, the Saints were ranked 24th in the nation by Max Preps.

Of the 22 starters on the 2006 team, 21 were seniors with Dan Schmall as the lone junior at quarterback. Xavier was led by captains Zach Schulte, Drahozal, Joe Bedard, Domingo Vega and Lorenson. Schulte, Bedard, Lorenson and Will Martin all earned first team all-state honors.

The Saints were coached by Duane Schulte and assistants Jim O'Connell, David Sullivan, John Tursi, Stu Ballinger, Austin Schowalter, John Winter and Tom Ekland. Dave Gearheart and Jeff Spicer served as stat keepers with Jim Wieneke, Matt Crawford, Darrel Schulte, Jay Klein and Bill Nolte assisting with equipment and filming operations.

Friday is also Senior Night at Xavier. Members of the football team, cheerleaders and members of the band all will be recognized.

Coach Schulte will make a brief appearance to greet members of the 2006 team in the commons at 6 p.m.