Jake Taylor en route to score (Credit: Jowdy Photography)

It’s that time once again. August signifies not only the end of Summer and the beginning of the school year. It marks the start of the Texas High school football season. Football in Texas is a religion as you may know. The teams crowned state champions become Texas royalty. Let’s just say football is no laughing matter in the Lone Star State. Now, thankfully for Jesuit football fans, the Rangers are looking to hold their own this upcoming season. Boasting one of the most star-studded rosters in recent history. Boasting two players committed to play football at Power-5 schools with a seasoned supporting cast of playmakers.

Offensive Preview

The Ranger offense this season will feature a high-powered passing attack. Led by star senior quarterback Gage Roy and senior receiver Hunter Krepp. Senior Duke commit Matthew Craycraft leads the seasoned O-Line along with the likes of Luca Costanzo and Andrew Wiechman. Seniors’ Cole Younger and Ford Butler round out the explosive air attack along the likes of Junior receiver Jake Musso. The Rangers will return a total of 7 starters on offense which is something Jesuit fans should be very excited for. The Jesuit offense will look to be one of the best in DFW this season.

Defensive Preview

“Defense wins championships.” The famed words of Bear Bryant hold true as defenses are what separate contenders from champions in 6A football. Luckily the Rangers defense is not one to be trifled with. Senior safety Robert Fitzgerald and future Northwestern Wildcat will lead the Jesuit defense this season. The defense will only have 3 returning starters; Lucas Hernandez, Ryan Allred, and Jameson Kemp, a stingy front looking to help lead the Ranger defense. This Rangers defense will put the pressure on quarterbacks all throughout the season. The stifling 3-4 will also prove to be very stifling against run-first offenses.

Season Outlook

The first 5 opponents on the schedule will prove to be very tough teams. Consisting of Flower Mound Marcus, Rockwall, Choctaw, J.J Pearce and most importantly the Lake Highlands Wildcats. Last year’s thriller against Lake Highlands did indeed end in a Jesuit loss. However the Rangers are more than prepared for this years matchup and I suggest Jesuit fans to circle September 10th on their calendars. Even after falling short of the district championship last year the Rangers are the Dave Campbell’s favorites to claim the 7-6A District title. Furthermore, the Jesuit team captains for this season will be quarterback Gage Roy, offensive lineman Matthew Craycraft, safety Robert Fitzgerald and receiver Hunter Krepp.

As a member of this team I have seen first hand the commitment and immense effort that the program has put into preparing for this season. This season will prove to be an exciting year for Ranger fans.