This past Thursday, October 16th, Irving Nimitz hosted the Jesuit Rangers JV team in a game that stayed competitive down to the finish. This shootout came down to the wire and was a fun game to watch!
Coming off a big win, the team came out firing on all cylinders, which was a result of the work they had done in practice. On offense, Head Coach Rick Leal wanted the team to focus on “ball control” and being able to “maintain the tempo.” Even though the offense has been struggling recently, they truly excelled in this game.
The offense went into the game and got off to a hot start. Led by quarterback Jacob Palisch ’17 the offense had a huge first half. Everything was clicking as they continually drove the ball right down the throats of the Vikings. Palisch said that “in practice all week the team focused on offensive chemistry.” This chemistry worked as the whole offense dominated the first half and gained a 24 point lead.
Coming out to start the second half, the Vikings were able to capitalize on special teams and take a kickoff back for a touchdown. Coach Leal pointed this play out as a key turning point in the game. This play gave the Vikings a new approach to the game. Linebacker Michael Schoettmer ’17 said, “after this play, the Vikings were able to find hope in the game. They came back and gave us a challenge.” This newfound hope gave the Vikings strength to get the game back within one touchdown.
The defense gave up a lot of big touchdowns throughout the game, something that they are not accustomed to doing, as they usually allow no more than 20 points a game. The Rangers’ D gave up 34 points to the Vikings. The defense understood they would have been in serious trouble if the offense had not bailed them out. Even though they had a less than stellar game, the defense was still able to force turnovers and make big plays. A key play in the second half was the interception by defensive end Jordan Rice ’17. Rice was able to snag a tipped ball for a huge interception. Rice said, “I saw the ball in the air, and I was not going to let anyone else have it.” Rice, a former offensive player, jokingly said, “my speed was there on the return. I just needed a few more blocks and I would have been gone.”
The game-clinching drive came for the Rangers when time was dwindling down. After letting the Vikings slip back in the game, quarterback Jacob Palisch had to take matters into his own hands. After driving all the way down the field, Palisch was able to scramble and score from 25 yards out. His superb touchdown sealed the deal, earning the Rangers a victory. Palisch said he “was proud of his whole team, and it was a great team win.”
Even though the defense played mediocrely, the Rangers’ offensive success was enough to get them the win. The Rangers’ 55 points were enough to eventually crush the Vikings 55-34, but this game was much closer than it should have been.
Moving on into the season, the Rangers need to be able to sustain leads better. After they gain a large margin, they cannot let up and allow the team back into the game. Look for another great game as the Rangers take on rival WT White this Wednesday, October 22nd at Postell Stadium.
