“This team has worked extremely hard the last few months, and we are very excited about the challenges ahead. We need to keep developing our depth over the next few months. I feel our team chemistry and our leadership has been good. Every season you have to overcome adversity and know how to handle it. A lot of these guys have faced some great wins and tough losses that have helped make us a stronger team and program. Down the road that will benefit our team in the district race and heading into the playoffs.” – Varsity Head Coach Brandon Hickman
Last season, the Jesuit Rangers had one of their best seasons in recent history. The team overcame adversity, uniting and staking their claim to the title of one of Jesuit’s best football teams. The Rangers defeated their respected rivals, the Skyline Raiders, for the first time in school history, snapping the Raider’s 49 game win streak. The Rangers, led by their dominating defense, went on to claim the district title, following that up with an impressive postseason. The Rangers lost some key players from last season’s squad, but we should not expect anything less than last year.
Head Coach Brandon Hickman commented on some of the goals for this year’s team, stating, “Our goal is to continue to get better as a team each day. We have seen some really good things from guys on both sides of the ball. Every year our goal is to win the district championship and be peaking as a team heading into the playoffs.”
The Rangers have a strong group of returning players, mostly starters with a few who saw some time off the bench last season. The returning players are highlighted by senior captains Jordan Rice, Jack Metz, Jacob Palisch, and Dalton Allen. The four captains all started on last year’s team, and all of the captains, other than returning Quarterback Jacob Palisch, are a part of either the defensive line or offensive line, displaying the strength and size of this year’s team. Jordan Rice said, “It was an honor to be elected captain, but I know now I have added responsibilities to motivate and lead the team as we enter a tough senior season.” Coach Hickman commented on the size of the team stating, “We have a lot of experience up front with a big group of senior offensive and defensive lineman. So up front on both sides of the ball, I feel really good with where we are from guys being battle-tested from a year ago. These are the largest-sized linemen that I have coached in 12 years at Jesuit. We have a handful of guys ranging from 250-280 lbs. who are strong and move well.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the Rangers are led by their defensive line, returning two starters in Metz and Rice. They are accompanied by senior Andrew Miskell who saw some great playing time last season. The D-line will anchor the defense and be crucial to the success of the team. Metz said, “Last season our defense really set the tone for big games, and this year we aim to do the same thing. We plan on forcing turnovers and getting stops so we can prove to everyone why we are one of the best defenses in the state.” The linebackers are led by returning starters seniors Lucas Kincade and Michael Schoettmer. They are joined by juniors Nicky Prendergast and Zach Harry. The linebacker position has great depth as they are also accompanied by senior Tommy Paredes who should see some valuable playing time this year. In the secondary, the Rangers only return one starter in senior Billy Daly, but the holes in the secondary were filled by senior Jack Lynch, junior Hank Bitterman, and sophomore Pierce Strong. The secondary will have a big duty this year, filling the shoes of an impressive secondary last year. This year’s defense should be a key piece for the Rangers this year as they look to mimic last season’s success.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Rangers are led by their outstanding quarterback Jacob Palisch. Palisch is the general on the field, and his skills allow him to take over a game. A Stanford baseball commit, Palisch’s skills at the quarterback position are dynamic, making him a major key to the Rangers success. Coach Hickman said, “Jacob running the offense his senior season with his experience and leadership gives us a chance to do big things. Jacob’s a tough competitor and makes his teammates around him better. He opens up our offense with his big-play capabilities, and he’s a great positive leader.” The offense is also aided by the return of senior starter John Wunderlick who really stood out in practice and scrimmages. Coach Hickman said, “We have a solid group of WR’s and a few others that need to emerge over the next few weeks. I thought John Wunderlick had an outstanding scrimmage out of the backfield and receiving.” Also, senior Connor Jackson, who saw a good amount of playing time last year, will be a nice aid as he fills the shoes of Connor Lanpher. This year’s offensive line, led by Dalton Allen, should also be a major key as the big guys up front are tasked with protecting Palisch and clearing holes for senior Evan Jackson. Evan will get the majority of carriers this year at running back position, and he is very qualified. He saw a lot of production last year and Ranger fans can rest easy when the ball is in his hand, and I would not be surprised if he finds himself in the end zone over a dozen times this season.
The Rangers have a lot on their plate this year as they embark on the first year of their new district. The will face some tough opposition, but it is not anything they haven’t seen before. I expect big things as should all Ranger fans.
