The Jesuit Rangers JV squad traveled all the way out to Irving MacArthur to take on the Cardinals. The day before Halloween proved to be a great day for some football with the best weather of the whole season.
The Rangers, with only two games left on the season, wanted to bring the intensity and blow by the Cardinals. Like every other game this year, Head Coach Rick Leal wanted his team to “control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.” With the strength of their big men, this task is usually accomplished handily.
Growing a great deal since the season’s beginning, the Ranger offense has really been clicking and putting up good points. This success can be partially attributed to quarterback Jacob Palisch’s ’17 emergence as a dual threat. His ground game complements his strong arm, helping tie the offense together and keep the opposition’s defense guessing. John Wunderlick ’17 said, “Jacob’s skills are tough for defenses to stop, and he usually succeeds in driving the offense down the field.”
The recent offensive success has relieved the pressure from the defense, who had to carry most of the load earlier in the season. Defensive End Jordan Rice ’17 said, “our offense was never bad, but their emergence as a truly dominant force allows us to smash opponents.” Rice truly was delighted with the offense’s performance. He praised the offensive players for taking some of the weight off of their shoulders, saying “having an offense that consistently puts up big numbers makes it easier for the defense to relax their nerves.”
Another key component to the offensive success is their attack in the air. Even though the run game had success, the Rangers’ passing game dominated the Cardinal defense. Palisch was able to connect with receivers Luke Laufenberg ’16 and Evan Sonnier ’17 for big touchdowns. Laufenberg scored his third touchdown in two games, putting up video game numbers. He said, “I would like to attribute my success to God and his brothers. I put all my faith in my ‘fam’ and know they have my back at all times.” The offensive success and chemistry points to great success in the future for the Rangers.
A key play that put the nail in the Cardinal coffin came later in the game. Defensive Lineman Garret Fentz-Danna ’17 was “waiting all game and truly all season to make a big play that would get him in the paper!” A key attribute in all games on defense, Fentz-Danna made a huge play, scooping up a fumble and taking it the distance. Fentz-Danna was greeted in the end zone by all of his teammates, who were overjoyed. This touchdown put the game out of reach and secured the 42-20 victory for the Rangers.
This impressive performance is a good sign going ahead in the season as the Rangers face their final opponent, R.L. Turner. The Rangers look to finish at 8-2 on the season. Come support the team in its final game of the season this Wednesday!
Photos by Jowdy Photography
