Spring is just around the corner, so that means the time has come for the Jesuit Rangers lacrosse team to lace up their cleats in pursuit of another run in the Texas High School Lacrosse state championship.
The Rangers began their season on February 6 against Hillcrest High, winning 7-2. Looking to start the season off strong after suffering a heart-breaking loss in last season’s state championship game, Jesuit jumped to an early 3-1 lead on goals by Zach Coker ’13, Lee Belland ’14, and Connor Fox ’13, with Jason Myers ’14 pitching in two assists.
Hillcrest managed to close the gap to 3-2 early in the third quarter, but Jesuit’s offense went into overdrive, scoring the next four goals on shots by Coker, Matt Miller ’12 and Garret Van de Ven ’13.
The story of the day, however, was defense. While Jesuit’s offense struggled at times with dropped passes,
errant throws, and penalties, Jesuit’s defense dominated Hillcrest. Led by returning upperclassmen Michael McCarney ’12, Hunter Hill ’13, and Nico Esteve ’12, and joined by second year players Hank Likes ’14, Hayden Clouse ’14 and Tom Huber ’14, Jesuit’s defense routinely crushed Hillcrest’s scoring attempts, allowing less than a dozen shots on goal. When Hillcrest’s shots made it to the goal, they were stymied by goalie CB Banister ’13, who had a superb game in net.
The Rangers returned to the field on Feb. 10 when they battled in-state rivals Strake Jesuit from Houston. In another game dominated by their defensive unit, the Rangers prevailed 7-0. The Rangers offense was lead by its “middies,” with Garret Van de Ven ’13 launching 3 goals and 1 assist, while Sam Rosengarden ’13 and Connor Fox ’13 also contributed assists.
The Rangers “attack” unit also played well, as Zach Coker ’13 continued his early season success with 2 goals, while Matt Miller ’12, a Providence commit, added another goal. Jesuit’s renowned face-off man Alex Petsos ’12 went 9 for 9 on draws.
Once again, though, Jesuit’s superb defense, led by goalie Dan Morris ’13, proved to be the real difference in the contest as the defenders repeatedly stifled Strake’s offensive efforts. The season continues this weekend with a home game against Episcopal School of Houston. Come out and support your Jesuit Laxers.
Lacrosse Schedule: http://www.jesuitcp.org/page.aspx?pid=1871
