The Jesuit Rangers Football Team looks to be one of the best in 5A Region II and even in all of Texas. Here are some of the reasons this team has the potential to do what no other Jesuit teams have done:
1. A Strong, Overbearing Defense
The most dramatic adjustment the team made over the off season was improving their defensive schemes. Still running in the unique 4-2-5 defense, the Rangers look to keep opponents out of the end zone and produce turnovers at ease. With captains and D-1 college football commits, LB Jordan Mastrogiovanni ’13 (Oklahoma) and DE J.D. Waggoner ’13 (Iowa State), leading the way, the defense is more powerful, destructive, and hard-hitting than ever before. They say defense wins championships, and this defense will stop at nothing to do just that.
2. An Offense Like None Other
With starting quarterback Jack Brezette ’13 back healthy from a left leg injury and under center once again, the Ranger offense, which was rolling with Jack at the helm, will continue its success in the passing game. Through three games, Brezette has had 13 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Look for Coach Brandon Hickman and Offensive Coordinator Jonathan Short to call passing plays very, very often.
3. Talent at Every Position
In the past, the Rangers haven’t had all their stars align. However, this year, the team has returning starters at almost every starting position and returning lettermen at all of them. While depth could be a concern as the season wears on, the Rangers have no lack of talent in all of their starters – ranging from QB to WR to DT to LS.
4. Desire
Throughout the entire off season, all the players showed an overwhelming commitment to the team and to the betterment of the program, no doubt spearheaded by the seniors. This commitment is coupled by a burning desire to improve, compete, and win some football games. Don’t look for the team to let adversity get the best of them.
5. An Unwavering, Confident Swag
Look good – feel good. Feel good – play good? Maybe it was the addition of brand new, gold, game jerseys – maybe it wasn’t. Either way, this team carries themselves with pride and a unique swagger. This team has confidence that, no matter the opponent, they can and will win.This swagger makes them that much more dangerous.
6. Every Athlete on the Team is a Finely Tuned Working Machine
At the hands of Coach Jeremy Weeks and his staff, both the Varsity and JV football teams will be hydrated, in-shape, and nutritious. Weeks does and excellent job maintaining weights, pushing water, and helping control players’ bodies. Through 24 summer workouts, the team was able to stay in football shape – even through three months without football.
7. Big Time Players That Make Big Time Plays
With four, Division I NCAA football players on the team, there is no doubt that the Rangers have no lack of superstars on the team. WR Jake Oliver ’13 (Texas), LT J.J. Gustafson ’13 (Texas A&M), Mastrogiovanni, and Waggoner have been making plays on the gridiron for two to three years now and have become used to the spotlight. These guys will never be afraid to step up when the team needs it most – just as none of the other players would be as well.
8. Class
This team knows how to win with class and lose with class. Applying the words of Student Body President Basil Seif to the football team, the Rangers will “stay classy,” refraining from complaining, boasting, and excuses. This team holds themselves 100% accountable.
9. High Ranking in the Preseason
While Coach Hickman is right in that “expectations get [the football team] nowhere” and that “hard work” will, the higher and higher the Rangers get ranked, the more confident players get and the more fearful opponents become. The players do an excellent job in never getting themselves caught up in the hype. However, keeping track of things could bode well for their confidence and results on Friday nights.
10. A Strong Foundation
The team and the coaches have been focusing on the fundamentals of success, breaking down each key aspect of a successful team. With a combined sense of attitude, chemistry, family, and leadership, Jesuit football is truly in good hands.
11. All In
The first of the two most important aspects of the 2012 Jesuit football team is that every player, coach, and trainer is in it together. These men have all come together to put together their God-given talents and perform to the best of their ability. With this unity, no one team or loss could knock the Rangers’ train off its tracks.
12. All Out
Finally, the Rangers have an unfathomable work ethic, consisting of precise effort and enthusiasm. Without every member of the team giving all they could to the team, the Rangers would struggle. Don’t fret that, however, as every Ranger goes 110% indeed.
If the Rangers continue on the path they are headed and continue to mesh all of these characteristics together, they will be a team to fear this fall.
As for now, they are on their way to Dublin, Ireland to face the Loyola Academy (IL) Ramblers as a part of the Global Ireland Football Tournament. Game day is on Friday, August 31 at 4:00 PM Dublin Time (10:00 AM CT). The game will be broadcasted live on KAAM 770. The next Rangers home game is September 7 against the Keller Fossil Ridge Panthers. Come out and support your Rangers!
