This past Thursday, September 18th, the annual Jesuit Ranger Freshman versus JV game took place. The yearly tradition is always tightly packed with competition, with each team vying for the bragging rights that come with victory.
Although the game was pegged as a scrimmage, both teams played with the same intensity as they would in a real game. The rules were designed so that both teams received an equal amount of plays, and while the score was not technically recorded, I can assure you that both teams knew who was winning at all times.
Early in the scrimmage, it became obvious that nerves were taking a toll on the freshman team. Quarterback Jagger Laroe ’18 struggled at times due to the constant pressure from the JV defensive line. Intimidation played a key part in the JV’s early success, but wide receiver Fletcher Rosenbleeth ’18 noted that after a while, he “realized [the JV] was just like any other team.” However, Rosenbleeth didn’t just talk the talk. He slid past the JV secondary as Laroe delivered a perfect pass, giving the freshman team their only touchdown of the game.
Coach Bob Wunderlick’s goal going into the game was to allow the freshmen to face a tougher team in preparation for district play. He hoped that “the stronger, older JV team” would help his team “grow and prepare for the teams they play later in the season.” The JV coaches wanted to watch their team focus on the fundamentals of the game, as well as test some strategies against a live team.
Jordan Rice ’17, a defensive lineman, reiterated that this game would allow them to playfully compete against friends and classmates while preparing for harder competition. Rice said, “I remember playing in the game last year as a freshman, and I had fun being on the winning side.” He joked, saying, “it was our turn to get a chance to beat up on the freshman team.”
Once the freshmen shook off their nervousness, the game stayed pretty close. The JV team was able to connect on offense early, which is a good sign after struggling to do so last week. Quarterback Jacob Palisch ’17 was able to find wide receiver Connor Jackson ’17 on a deep ball for an early touchdown. With the help of running back Matt Reilly ’17, the JV offense pounded the Freshman defense.
The defining play of the game was when safety Cade Brewer ’18, who Coach Wunderlick called “the hardest hitter on the team”, attempted to make a tackle on Reilly. Brewer attempted to deliver a bone crushing hit, but at the moment of impact he seemed to bounce off of Reilly, failing to push him back much at all. Brewer immediately realized that he was facing a much stronger and more mature opponent and said he wanted to “show everyone that [he] could hold [his] own on the field.” Despite this play, Brewer managed to have a tremendous game.
Both Rosenbleeth and Brewer wanted “bragging rights over their friends” who used to go to school with them, showing how this game is the most exciting for both teams each year because it’s personal. Michael Schoettmer ’18 said that he was “impressed with the talent level on the freshman team” and is “excited to play with them in future years.”
This game was impressive for both teams, even though the JV won decidedly. The success of both teams foreshadows a strong Varsity Ranger team in the future. The JV takes on the Sunset Bisons on Wednesday, September 24th. The Freshman take on Celina on Thursday, September 25th. Come out and support the future of our Jesuit football program!
