Following last year’s heartbreaking loss to Rowlett in Bi-Districts to end the season, the Jesuit Rangers football team was ready for a change. And this offseason, the Rangers brought about all the changes necessary to build an elite team. With a new head coach, new stadium, and new defensive scheme, the tweaked program seems ready for the future. Itching to once again battle for district royalty, the Rangers are led into the season by first-year head coach, Brandon Hickman. Jesuit was a force to be reckoned with last year in District 9-5A, and that will again be the case in 2011.
So here’s a little preview of what you could expect this season for your Blue and Gold:
Week 0
Opponent: Flower Mound Jaguars (7-3 in 2010; Lost to Southlake Carroll in Bi-Districts)
Don’t anticipate for the Rangers to allow 69 points to the Jaguars again this year. The team remembers the loss but isn’t worried about the past coming into the game. With a new defensive scheme, you can expect to see the Rangers forcing turnovers, giving the offense more chances to score. Flower Mound QB Paul Millard will feel the pressure from the defensive line all four quarters, resulting in forced passes. The Jesuit team is hungry to defeat Flower Mound: every day after practice, a player reminds the team how many days until the big game. Excited to fight on their home turf, the Rangers are going to start the 2011 campaign with a big ‘ole W.
W 31-27
Week 1
Opponent: Strake Fighting Crusaders (3-7 in 2010)
In what was possibly the most fun game of the 2010 season, the Rangers traveled to Houston to face Jesuit rival Strake. The team and a rowdy crew of students made the drive down Interstate 45, eager to take part in the renewed rivalry. Despite fumbling on the first drive, the Rangers brought down the Crusaders in blowout fashion; expect the same when the Texas Turf War shifts to Dallas this year. With a high-flying offense that includes the defending District Offensive Player of the Year, WR Jake Oliver, the Rangers will top Strake easily.
W 45-20
Week 2
Opponent: Coppell Cowboys (11-0 in 2010; Lost to Euless Trinity in Quarterfinals)
In another early season test, Coppell will come into the Jesuit Stadium as easy favorites in the matchup. After allowing only one touchdown to the Rangers in last year’s matchup, the Cowboys will look to continue success against Jesuit. The game will be a defensive battle back and forth, and the Rangers will struggle. Looking for a late game stop, the defensive Nasty Boys Club led by senior defensive tackle Akuda Esin and safety Tucker Rice will fall to Coppell in a barnburner. Here we come, district play.
L 17-13
Week 3
Open Week; No Game
Week 4
Opponent: W.T. White Longhorns (4-6 in 2010)
The Longhorns simply aren’t ready to contest for a district championship. Under first year coach Eric Ezar, White will struggle early and often against the Rangers. Jesuit QB Jack Brezette, in his first season under the helm, will post astronomical numbers. Expect an entertaining rout in this game.
W 65-14
Week 5
Opponent: Berkner Rams (4-6 in 2010)
The abnormally high number of home games this season will bide well for the Rangers. In another clash with a district foe, the Rangers will thwart the visiting Rams with an impressive aerial attack and rushing game. RB Christian Franz will
find the pylons easily for Jesuit, as they roll past Berkner.
W 55-21
Week 6
Opponent: Skyline Raiders (9-1 in 2010; Lost to Desoto in Area)
With both teams coming into Week 6 sporting an undefeated District record, the Rangers and Raiders will play in
the unofficial District 9 Championship Game. Jesuit has home-field advantage, and backed by a supportive fan base, the Rangers will have to dig deep to bring home this win. Skyline’s QB Devonte Kincade will hook up with his favorite target, WR Thomas Johnson, more than once in the game, with Johnson racking up over 150 yards of receiving. However, the Rangers will rally late in overtime to bring themselves to
first place in the district.
W/OT 34-31
Week 7
Opponent: Richardson Eagles (7-3 in 2010; Lost to McKinney Boyd in Bi-Districts)
Hoping to continue their recent dominance of District 9, the Rangers will be all over last year’s fourth playoff team. Jesuit will score early and often, posting big numbers in the first half. The second half will be all about defense as the “Air-Raid” attack, led by CB Tanner Coffin and CB Porter Huntley, will force more than one turnover. Be ready for a wild night as the Rangers close out a successful home-game stretch.
W 35-24
Week 8
Opponent: Lake Highlands Wildcats (7-3 in 2010; Lost to South Garland in Bi-Districts)
In their first road game since their days as the “Road Warriors,” Jesuit will struggle to acclimate to being in enemy territory. Powered by RB Devonte Sunwenghan, the Cats will try to force a similar outcome to last year’s 29-20 win over Jesuit in our stadium opening. However, the Ranger offense will spark late, as a touchdown by receiver Marty Murad and an extra-point by kicker Sean Badger winning it for Jesuit.
W 28-24
Week 9
Opponent: Samuell Spartans (3-7 in 2010)
After a week away from home, the Rangers come back ready to please on their homecoming amidst mums, the homecoming dance, and Ranger Day. After a day full of festivities, Jesuit wins in excellent fashion. With a balanced running and offensive game, the Rangers will again shutout Samuell. Look for backups to come into the game as early as the 3rd Quarter.
W 47-0
Week 10
Opponent: Sunset Bison (1-9 in 2010)
Steamrolling through District play, the Rangers will end on a high note. In the last game of the regular season, don’t expect Jesuit to blow it in only their second away game all year. The Bison don’t stand a chance, and the Rangers’ season ends the way it started, with a big ‘ole W.
W 56-0
So, it can be concluded that the Rangers are on the path to being a winning team. Embarking towards new horizons, the team will open the season with new traditions, including a blowup helmet-tunnel, lots of chants, and a post-game procession. Things have changed out on the blue turf of Jesuit Stadium, and personally, I think you’re going to like it.
