Tristen Bird, taken by Jaxx Rigeslky '24 (flicks.by.rigs on Instagram)
The sun set’s just over the press box as the escaping rays shine on the gold helmet, decorated with new stripes and script lettering as the player wearing the helmet walks arm in arm with fellow teammates to the midfield logo for the coin toss. Fans fill the stands, excitement is in the air. The smell of hot dogs and popcorn from the concession stand linger in the air. It is everyone’s favorite time of year. It’s football season. The Jesuit Rangers, with Coach Hickman entering his 13th year as head coach, were set to face the Hebron Hawks, who they had previously beaten 38-7 at home last year. The Hawks were set to be a tough opponent however, especially with Jesuit losing the majority of the starters to graduation and a transfer.
First Half
The Rangers trailed early, allowing Hebron to score a touchdown on their first drive of the game. The Rangers quickly returned the effort however, putting up a touchdown connection from Charlie Peters ’25 to Henry Bourret ’25 in a drive lasting just over a minute long. Before the end of the quarter the Rangers led another drive downfield finished with a field goal from Noah McGough ’25, one of the nations top kicking prospects.
Hnery Bourret ’24, taken by Jaxx Rigelsky ’24 (flicks.by.rigs on Instagram)
The Rangers extended their lead early in the second quarter with a lead early in the second quarter with a big 18-yard rushing touchdown from Zane Williams ’25. The score extended to 17-7 with an extra point from McGough. Near the middle of the quarter the Hawks started to pick up steam with a 64-yard blocked punt return to make the score 17-14. The Blue and Gold were able to push another drive downfield ending in a McGough field goal.
After that score however, Hebron scored on two touchdowns on two big events in 16 seconds. The first was a touchdown run after a drive form Hebron then a Hebron pick would give them another touchdown, leaving the Rangers trailing 27-20. Zane Williams scored his second touchdown of the game on a pass from Charlie Peters as the clock ticked down the final moments of the first half. The score was tied 27-27 heading into the lockerroom.
Second Half
The third quarter started slow, but Hebron broke the silence with an interception and a touchdown int he middle of the quarter to give them the lead. They then finished the quarter without giving up a point to the Rangers and added another touchdown on a 37 yard run in the final minute of the quarter.
The Rangers defense stepped up in the fourth quarter, delivering a scoreless quarter to finish the game, including a pick form Connor Raney ’24. Sadly for the Rangers, the Hawks defense also played exceptionally, not allowing the Rangers to capitalize on the interception with a quick three and out and only allowing one touchdown in the fourth, a touchdown run from Zane Williams after a great drive downfield.
“It’s always tough to lose close games like that but our team fought until the very end” -Henry Bourret ’25
Noah McGough ’24: 2 field goals (25, 40 yds), 4 extra points, 3 kickoffs, 179 yards, 59.7 avg
My Thoughts
Overall, despite the result ending a completely different way than my original prediction going into the game, it was not a horrible game. It’s important to remember that this team, as Coach Hickman, is a relatively inexperienced team in comparison to some others. On offense, only Cooper Cutler has had a varsity start before the game. It is a very similar situation on defense. Not even talking starting, many of the players who started or played key roles int he game played their first varsity snaps this week. I think this will serve as a learning experience for them, in addition to the Rockwall game this Friday.
“One game will not define out season” -Coach Hickman after the game on Friday
If Jesuit wants to win the district, they will likely have to go undefeated, or at least one loss with a win over the second place team. The way the schedule is built is beneficial for the Rangers in my opinion, with Hebron and Rockwall providing strong opponents to exploit the impactful weaknesses of the Jesuit team very clearly in non-district play. They then open district play with JJ Pearce and Lake Highlands away and at home respectively, both of will be tough challenges for the Rangers, but very doable assuming they fix the mistakes seen in the previous game. They then play an easier game in Irving on the road, allowing them to hone in everything before what will likely be the district championship in Highland Park, which will be played at SMU. After that is is mostly coasting until playoffs.
The biggest improvements needed I saw were few in number, but rather impactful. First, there were several times throughout the game where Jesuit defense made a great stop or Jesuit offense made a great drive downfield, but many times they did not result in a touchdown. While we have seen that anything on the other side of the fifty is in range for McGough and Drennan, that is not the first option, and it especially not an option when trailing in the fourth. They must finish the drives.
“We have to fix the small mistakes” -Coach Hickman on Friday
Second, this team the past few years has made many of the games based on momentum, obviously with this year’s Hebron game but most evident with last year’s Highland Park and Arlington games. In order to keep the game in a winnable situation they cannot allow their opponent to get any steam, especially with three of Hebron’s touchdowns coming as a direct result of a huge turnover play.
“I think we needed to execute a lot better off of the ball and the little mistakes are what really hurt our drives” -Ben Petroff ’24
Overall this team, while inexperienced, is very promising for both this year and next year. Assuming that the Rangers show gradual improvement over the next few weeks, it is not unreasonable to say that they could be undefeated district champs, but they have to be on top of their game when district play comes.
“In a hard-fought battle on the gridiron, our team may have faced defeat, but I truly admired the way our team continued to fight till the clock hit zero. Moreover,, I love the way our defense looked and the offense is promising with some many weapons in the skill positions. Then we also have great special teams highlighted by some of the top kickers, Dylan Drennan and Noah McGough, in the country. Can’t wait to see how the season plays out and onto Rockwall. Go Rangers! – Chris Simington ’24
The captains walking to midfield, taken by Jaxx Rigelsky ’24 (flicks.by.rigs on Instargam)
Looking Forward
I mean…it’s Rockwall. There is not much to say a bout them. They were the #12 team in the state according to Dallas Morning News preseason poll. Historically the Rangers are 1-5, only winning the first matchup when they played in the Cotton Bowl in 2013. After that they are currently sitting at a five game losing streak, losing twice in the past two years, including a 51-23 loss last year. It will be a very tough opponent for the Rangers.
Stay tuned to The Roundup for more football coverage!
Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas offers young men an excellent, Catholic education in the classical Jesuit tradition with the purpose of forming a community of men with high moral principles and service to others.
