The buzzer sounds in the stadium, and Jesuit football players leap for joy. It’s another convincing victory in the books. Both the Blue and Gold teams bested Nimitz High School’s freshmen, winning by large margins last Thursday, 28-7 and 44-8, respectively. Blue remains undefeated, and Gold added to their winning record, advancing to 5 wins and 2 losses.
On the Blue team, the defense impressed Head Coach Bob Wunderlick. “After giving up a TD early in the first quarter, the Jesuit defense…dominated the rest of the game and did not allow another score,” he said. Notable defensive performances came from Ryan Salvia, Jack Dexter, Sam Starr, and Will Roberts. Two of the team’s four touchdowns came from Peter Buell, the other two scored by Jacob Jowdy. “The game we played was fun, energetic, and intense,” Jowdy said. “My role on the team was to do whatever it takes for our team to win.” Coach Wunderlick pointed out the standouts in the trenches as well: “Up front, the Rangers were led by Faiz Shallwani, Jake Rhoades, Wyatt Ciccarelli, and Xavier Duran.” Cooper Shawl, James Koshakji, Sam Koeijmans, and Jacob Jowdy played critical special teams roles.
The Gold team shot out of the gates quickly. “[They] dominated the first quarter, pulling ahead 27 to 0,” Coach Wunderlick said. The Ranger defense held Nimitz scoreless for most of the game, nose tackle Connor Curreri and linebacker Will Lietnick stepping up big. In addition, the defense recovered a fumble in the end zone and had two interceptions, scoring on one. “The offense scored on its first three possessions,” said Wunderlick,” an Evan Davis 15 yard TD run, a Matthew Priddy 18 yard TD run, and a 25 yard TD pass from Priddy to an acrobatic Miles Page.” Pierce Strong, John Scott Lacina, and Bernardo Gonzalez played well on special teams. Gonzalez, the kicker who added 5 PAT’s to the Ranger’s score as well as a 36-yard field goal, said, “We played well and executed all of our plays fairly well… Kicking that ball deep in the end zone is the role I also have to accomplish as best as I can.” He said that coming away with a win was deeply satisfying and added humorously that “a 36-yard field goal isn’t too bad either.”
