Sheets of rain pour from the sky, slamming into the thick pads and cotton jerseys. Lightning strikes through the thin air as large shapes sprint through the mud and grass. A small projectile zips towards someone in a blue and gold jersey. He catches it, the force throwing him back into a group of defenders. This was the scene from the varsity football scrimmage against Wylie.
In preparation for the upcoming season, the Rangers squad had a practice scrimmage against Wylie on August 19th, 2016. Due to the weather and poor playing conditions, the Rangers only played one half of football, with Jesuit losing 21-14.
Even though the Rangers could not pull out the W, the game was still a beneficial experience to everyone on the team. Matt Musso’17 described the game as “a great way to get ready for the season opener against Desoto, because it simulates the game.” Musso continued by explaining how playing in harsh conditions and tough teams could appear down the road for Jesuit, so the experience of “playing against a different school…will help us in the long run as the season gets underway.”
Luke Nolan ’17 echoed Musso’s positive attitude towards the scrimmage, saying, “The scrimmage, although rainy and wet, was very beneficial for us, because we have only been playing against ourselves.” Nolan thought, “The team performed well, but we also got to see what areas we need to work on.” He continued by praising the “offensive and defensive lines,” thinking that they were one of the major strengths of this year’s team. Senior defensive end Ryan Clements ’17 thought a standout player in the scrimmage against Wylie was QB Jacob Palisch ’17. “He performed really well.” Clements thinks, “With a season of experience under his belt as starting quarter back, I think he’s poised for another big year.” Clements also agreed with Nolan on the strength of this year’s offensive and defensive lines, saying, the big senior led O-line will protect Palisch from getting sacked. Although, the conditions were poor, the Jesuit football team still realized the true value of practicing against a competitive team in preparation for the long and arduous season.
Building on a great season last year, the Rangers look to perform well this upcoming season, as they take on a new group of teams in their district.
The Jesuit football team gets back to business, with the beginning of the season matchup against Desoto looming on August 26th, 2016. Go out and support your Rangers!
