Last Thursday, Jesuit competed in their final district game of the season against R.L. Turner. Jesuit, coming off their 2nd district loss of the season, came ready to play and defeated the Lions 49-24. In the first half, Jesuit played tremendously offensively, putting up all seven of their touchdowns on the night.
Jesuit got the ball rolling with a routine touch down run that we have seen all season: Matt Slovak ’15 running over defenders for 6. The offense, stepping up from the beginning, was complemented by the defense’s immediately aggressive play. On the following possession, Jesuit’s D forced a big fumble, earning possession and great field position. Unfortunately, Jesuit turned the ball over two plays later, giving R. L. Turner another chance.
However, Jesuit refused to let the Lions take control and forced a quick 3 and out. Joseph Stautner ’16 commented, “The defense played well in the first half. They refused to give up any ground.” Jesuit’s offense scored again the next drive with a connection from Bo Schneider ’15 to Garrett Amy ’15. This touchdown puts Amy at an astounding 17 touchdowns on the season. Jesuit, now moving with a lot of momentum, continued their offensive onslaught and scored again on their next possession, this time on the ground from Max Loughborough ’16.
The second quarter was all Jesuit. Even when Turner’s punter pinned the Rangers inside their own 10, Jesuit was able to march 93 yards down the field. Jesuit’s offense was bailed out by a 35 yard scramble by Bo Schneider. This play led to another impressive run by Slovak, putting Jesuit up 28-0. Jesuit then forced yet another turnover, giving them a possession that ended in a 50 yard touchdown to Charlie Eikenberg ’15. The Lions, finally punching back at the Rangers, ran a 92 yard touchdown play to give them their first 7 points of the half. Jesuit responded with their fourth consecutive drive, scoring yet again to put them at 49-7 at half.
The second half went by quickly, and allowed a lot of second string players get some good reps. Turner’s defense finally stepped up and held Jesuit to 0 points, a stark contrast to the previous half. Turner also managed to put some real numbers on the board, scoring two more touchdowns and a field goal, ending the game at 24-49, Rangers.
This Friday, Jesuit takes on J.J. Pearce in the first round of the UIL 6a playoffs. Jesuit, carrying momentum with them from the Turner game, hopes to blow by Pearce in the first round. Last year, Jesuit set a school record by going 3 rounds deep in the playoffs, losing to Lake Travis in the third round. This year Jesuit hopes to match their last year’s feat, and attempt to move even further. Come watch the beginning of Jesuit’s playoff run this Friday at Postell Stadium.