Right before spring break, the defending state champs took on Flower Mound, an easier game before making their way to playing two top-25 teams in the nation. Jesuit entered the game riding a winning streak, and hoped to continue this dominance in this third quarter of the season. The Rangers traveled to Flower Mound, whom were attempting to pull off a major upset. The Rangers led the entire game, but Flowermound kept it close. Coach Surran reminded his team that “[they] must play better in the next two games if [they] plan to compete with these nationally ranked opponents,” a message that the players took to heart before going to their various spring break locations.
The Rangers welcomed the St Ignatius Wildcats from California and Gonzaga Eagles from D.C. into Postell Stadium. The players knew the magnitude of the games, as they were top teams in the country. Also at this event, Jesuit welcomed the Crowther family, in which we celebrated the legacy of Welles Crowther who lost his life in the attack of 9/11. The Rangers got to scout the Gonzaga and Ignatius game, a contest in which the Ignatius came out with the upset. The Rangers were confident in their bout with the Wildcats, but Surran dictated, “we must have energy” and “play through the mistakes,” as he knew how challenging these opponents would be at home.
The Rangers had a tough outing against the Wildcats, as they ultimately were dismantled on both sides of the ball, losing 16-1. The Rangers had to put this loss behind them in preparation for the Eagles the following day. Starting the Eagles game, the Rangers came out hot and continued to keep the game close throughout, incurring a 6-6 halftime score. The Eagles then turned into a zone, as they were concerned about their record in this friendly bout. The Eagles ended up winning this contest, but the Rangers proved to the nation they could contend with a top-25 team and handle their own in any game.
The Rangers looked to continue on the promising defeat to the Eagles during the Rangers’ senior night game against Keller. Trey Wiederecht ’17, Daniel Burnum ’17, David Sprock ’18, and Grayson Hassell ’18 led the Rangers on the offensive front. Luke Millican ’17, Aidan Johnston ’18, Dixon Smith ’17, and Marshall Rodegast ’18 held down the defensive front, as Keller never found their rhythm. The Rangers controlled the entire game, winning 16-0. The Rangers looked to keep on this hot streak against Southlake, a team that has always played the Rangers tight. The Rangers needed this win to guarantee themselves a playoff spot, and Burnum ’17 told the team, “do your job,” as this simple message has always guided the team. The Rangers struggled in the beginning, but caught fire in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Dragons 3-0, allowing the Rangers to win the game.
The Rangers finished the third quarter of the season, and are focused on the final quarter of the season in which they will play Coppell, Bellevue, St Marks, HP, and ESD.
