Last Wednesday on September 24, the Jesuit Rangers JV took on the Sunset Bison JV.
The first game of District play proved to be exciting as the Rangers traveled out to to The Bison’s home field. After a scheduling error, The Rangers found out their game was on Wednesday rather than Thursday just hours before kickoff. However, playing under pressure at any point of any game is the type of skill that separates a good team from a great team. In this game, it Jesuit truly showed themselves to be part of the latter category.
From kickoff to the final whistle Jesuit controlled all aspects of the game. Head Coach Rick Leal made it clear going into the game he wanted to “get aggressive early and take out the fight in them as a team”. The team wanted to make sure they played as aggressively as they have been playing all year, knowing that if they got ahead early, they would be able to dictate the game. Coach Leal believed they definitely accomplished this, and was excited in his team “[executing] in all phases of the game”. On the offensive side of the ball, Coach Leal was proud of the breakout performances of both “Wyatt Johnson and Matt Reilly.” Both of these offensive standouts had huge games. QB Wyatt Johnson ’17 really stood out with both his accuracy and his ability to lead the team. Johnson was happy with the opportunity to lead the offense, and said that he “felt very comfortable in the pocket as he lead his team down the field”. Johnson’s performance was key in the offensive success of the Rangers. His confidence and vigor radiated throughout the team, allowing them to drive down the field as a unit.
On the defensive side of the ball, many players needed to step up in the absence of starters who were moved up to Varsity for the week. Defensive end Jordan Rice ’17 said, “many new faces who didn’t usually start needed to step up and have big games”. The defense had no problem adjusting, playing extremely well. Linebacker Bobby Turner ’17 played a huge game on the defensive side of the ball. This performance caught the eye of the coaches, who rewarded him with the Defensive Player of the Week award. He was proud of the defense for only allowing “one first down and only a few positive plays”. Turner’s key play was an interception that swung the game in favor of the Rangers. Refusing to give an inch, Turner and the defense continually made huge plays throughout the game. However, Turner modestly claimed his performance was belittled by RB Matt Reilly ’17. Reilly’s offensive performance shredded the Bison defense.
The play that stood out to all players of the team was Reilly’s 40 plus yard run in which he pounded through a horde of Bison defenders. The Bison defense had no answer for Reilly who was able to bust open for four touchdowns. Reilly jokingly claimed his personal goal was “to score five touchdowns”. Even if he failed to accomplish his goal, his stellar performance was a key attribute to the Ranger victory. Though this game was not a huge challenge for the Rangers, Coach Leal said that in practice “they focus on whoever they are playing”. Leal wants to reinforce that no matter who they are playing, the team should approach every game the same way, a mentality they will use going forward. This impressive performance by the Rangers helped propel them to 3-1 on the year. The Rangers face Skyline this Thursday in what is sure to be their toughest game of the year. Come out and support the team!
