The Rangers JV squad has been one of the top teams in the division defeating division rivals such as Berkner and WT White. They were tested in this one, competing for second place in the division.
After coming off a dominant victory against WT White, the Rangers were put to the test against a tough Lake Highlands rival. The Rangers proved to be a top team in their division in this game, claiming victory with a final score of 35-14.
Going into this match, the JV squad knew it was going to be one of the biggest tests of the year, but this did not change the game-plan. Coach Jonathan Short still wanted to get off to a fast start just like the Rangers did in the prior week.
The offense was able to pick up where they left off in the previous week, getting off to a fast initial rhythm. Quarterback Rusty Landon ’16 was able to drive the Rangers down the field, capped off by a 5 yard rushing touchdown by Wide Receiver Mac Elliott ’16.
The defense, however, got off to a flat start in the first quarter when it allowed two early touchdowns and a 14-7 Wildcat lead. The offense stepped it up after Zach Kissick ’16 responded with a rushing touchdown for the Rangers to tie the game. The score was tied at 14 at the end of the first quarter, but the Rangers dominated on offense and defense, despite a few big plays by the Wildcats.
Coach Short was impressed with how the Rangers started the game off and explained that “both sides of the ball came out and were clicking in the first half and were able to keep it up to put them away in the second half.” The defense was also able to make a few good stops at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter proved to be solid for the Rangers, and the defense got in its usual rhythm and shut the offense out, with Defensive Tackle Ryan Brooks ’16 getting a few good third down stops. The offense kept up the intensity, and Landon was able to record his first passing touchdown of the night in the second quarter as well, giving the Rangers a lead going into the half.
The second half was a landslide in favor for the Rangers with the defense keeping up their success and not allowing a single touchdown. Brooks led the defense on the stops and even recovered a fumble and ran it in for a touchdown. The offense was able to score another touchdown, and the game came to a close with a 35-14 victory in favor of the Rangers.
Coach Short was happy with the Ranger win stating, “We felt like the team came out on a mission and played well.” Short went on to say that “We want to continue to see our JV players perform like this for the rest of district play.”
Mac Elliott ’16 was excited with the Ranger victory and is confident that the Rangers will win out going forward. Elliott also said that “the offense has been able to click through the past several games and we should be able to keep this up through the rest of the season.”
The Rangers will take on JJ Pearce at the Pearce stadium tonight, October 23. The Rangers record has improved to 6-1 and things are looking up as they take on their final 3 opponents.
