This past Thursday, October 29th, the Jesuit Rangers again traveled out to Irving Stadium to face the Irving MacArthur Cardinals in a game that, with a win, the Rangers could clinch the coveted district title.
The Rangers lost last year to the Cardinals last year, but this new Rangers team was not going to let the Cardinals take the district title from them. Right out the gates the Rangers asserted their dominance with a punishing drive that ended with a one-yard run from quarterback Jacob Palisch ’17.
The Rangers were able to take a 12-0 lead after a Connor Lanpher touchdown catch early in the second quarter. The Palisch to Lanpher connection is one that Ranger fans have become accustomed to and one that they hope continues all the way into playoffs.
Halfway through the second quarter the Rangers defense did something it has rarely done all season: let up a touchdown. The Cardinals were able to convert on a 57-yard touchdown pass that shortened the Ranger lead to 5 points.
Even though the Ranger D let up a touchdown, they still had a phenomenal game. The secondary racked up three total interceptions on tremendous plays from John Michael Priddy ’16, Esteban Garcia ’16, and John Guzman ’17. Guzman said, “the secondary prides themselves on our ability to make plays. We know if a ball is in the air we have a good shot of coming up with it and we proved we can do just that.”
With the aid of another Jacob Palisch touchdown run, the Rangers were able to extend their lead to 19-7 headed into halftime.
Coach Hickman said that “Our goal was to clinch the district championship…it was great seeing our kids’ hard work pay off. I’m so proud how they have conducted themselves all season and how hard we play every game. Our players deserve this and our senior leaders have done an excellent job with our team’s chemistry. This team is very special with the way they prepare every day and their maturity level. I’ve said this all year…nobody on our team cares about who gets the credit- it’s a true team effort.”
The Rangers did not lay off the throttle and got on the scoreboard early in the second half with an impressive run from senior Max Loughborough. The Rangers D held the Cardinals, and Loughborough was able to find the end zone for a second time but this time on a beautiful pass from Palisch. Defensive end Ryan Brooks ’16 joked, “Max knows he wouldn’t have scored if it weren’t for the defense getting him the ball.”
With another touchdown from Palisch on the ground, the Rangers extended their lead to 40-7, and they were able to coast to a 40-14 victory, clinching the first district title since 2004.
The Rangers impressive season keeps on rolling, and Coach Hickman believes “Our team looks great headed into the playoffs. The playoffs are getting hot and playing good football which we have been doing all season. We are peaking as a team at the right time and we need to continue to touch up on the little things in practice. The margin for error is small when you get into the playoffs because everyone is good. Our coaches and players are excited about this opportunity.”
The Rangers end their regular season at home versus RL Turner this Friday, and they look to remain perfect in district. Make sure to come and support the Rangers as they look to end the season on a high note before embarking on a playoff run.
