In remembrance of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, the Jesuit Rangers sported Nike Pro Combat camo pants for their game against Coppell. The Jesuit/Ursuline and Coppell bands both took part in a pre-game ceremony to honor the 10- year anniversary, forming “AMERICA” and “USA” on the turf. When the Rangers ran onto the field, DT Akuda Esin ’12 proudly waved an American flag provided by Pat McCauley Dossett ’98. The flag was flown over Saddam Hussein’s palace after he was captured by American troops.
As the Rangers’ hopes for the coveted perfect season broke, so did something else – possibly something even more valuable. QB Jack Brezette ’13 was hit on the last play of the game in which he threw up an underhand heave in an attempt to save the game. As the clock hit 00.0, he was still lying on the field, clutching his left leg while Coppell Cowboys ran amuck on our home field.
Brezette broke his tibia and fibula, ruling him out for the rest of the season. QB Brian Buell ’12 will take over the reigns for the remainder of his senior season.
Despite allowing the Cowboys to score on the first kickoff, the Rangers played a solid game, never being ruled out to win it.
In the First Quarter, after Coppell’s Jacob Logan took the opening kick to the house, Brezette led Jesuit downfield hooking up with WR Austin Lock ’12 for a 5 yard score. 8 minutes later, Coppell’s Luke Jenner pounded in to regain the lead, but the tandem of Brezette and Oliver would tie the game after one.
The Second Quarter was all defense, except for a Coppell touchdown pass from Jake Larson to Henry Busch. At the half, the Rangers went into the lockers not feeling out of the game.
In the third quarter, the Rangers hit the ground running. Jesuit took barely any time to march down field. RB Garrett Van de Ven ’13, a recent Duke lacrosse commit, caught a 6 yard pass for a TD. Score was 21-21 entering the last quarter.
The fourth quarter didn’t start well for the Rangers, who were embarrassed last year against Coppell. The Cowboys scored two in a row to take a 14 point lead with 9 minutes left. Hickman’s Rangers still weren’t out of it yet though. Towards the end of the quarter, the Rangers flew downfield getting Jake Oliver in the end zone again, his 7th touchdown of the season. After a defensive stop, the Rangers had less than a minute to score from 60 yards out. After being stopped on 4th down once, the ref threw a pass interference flag out late, filling Jesuit with joy and hope. However, the Rangers weren’t able to get 7 more yards on the last play in a night where Brezette went 33-63.
Fans of both teams stayed behind after the game for up to 40 minutes to watch Brezette who had to be lifted into an ambulance and taken to a hospital 
where he later had knee surgery. As he was lifted in, he gave the crowd two thumbs up which ensured them he would be back for a senior season.
After the game, remarking about Brezette, Coach Hickman said, “He was in a lot of pain, pain because he hurt his leg, but I think more pain because he won’t play this year – possibly not playing this season. He’s a leader and a competitor. He’ll fight back in rehab and he’ll be good to go next year.” Every Ranger fan sure does hope so.
CB Tanner Coffin ’12, who had one of three Jesuit interceptions, determined: “We have Brian, and he will be able to fill [Jack’s] shoes.”
Jesuit has a BYE week this week and will take on the W.T. White Longhorns on September 23rd in the first district game of the year.
