On September 11th, the Dallas Jesuit Rangers JV team took on the Coppell Cowboys. This Thursday night game at Postell Stadium was a tough challenge for the a Rangers as the looked to improve to 3-0 on the season.
After a big win in week 2, the Rangers looked to take that same intensity and pick up where they left off. Going into the game, JV Head Coach Rick Leal wanted to make sure the team, “respected the speed and strength of Coppell.” He knew the game was going to be tough and hard fought. Coppell would be tougher than the teams they had previously faced, but Coach Leal felt “confident in his team’s ability.” Key points of focus for the offense were creating a strong presence early in the game and being able to maintain pressure throughout the game. On the defensive side, they wanted to contain, “the speed and strength and limit the big plays.”
The defensive struggles started early for the Rangers when Coppell broke loose in their opening series for a 75 yard touchdown. The defense knew going into the game that Coppell was stronger than any team they had previously faced, but they were still astounded with Coppell’s offensive strength. Defensive End Jordan Rice ’17 said “the physical skill of Coppell shocked me right out of the gate. The whole team realized that we would have to fight for this victory.”
On the offensive side of the ball, Quarterback Jacob Palisch was able to bounce back quick. He found wide out Patrick McDermott ’17 for a huge gain to start the drive. Palisch said he, “knew we had to establish a presence early if we wanted to compete.” The Palisch to McDermott connection that Ranger fans are very used to seeing set up Dane Bender ’16 with an easy score. The Rangers first scoring drive was exactly what they needed to compete against Coppell’s potent offense. However, this drive was the only successful one the Rangers had all game.
The return of safety John Guzman ’17 proved to be a key addition to the Ranger’s secondary. Guzman’s ability to not only defend against the pass but also stop the run allowed him to be a key playmaker. Out with an ankle injury for the first two games, Guzman was “excited to be able to return and fight with his teammates.” In his first game back, Guzman wanted to make sure he “wasn’t acting timid on the field.” Linebacker Michael Schoettmer ’17 had this to say on the return of Guzman, “he is definitely a big help to the team. He will help solidify our already strong secondary and relieve some pressure off of the run stoppers.”
Even with Guzman, the Jesuit D struggled against the high powered Coppell offense. Coppell made big plays through the air and on the ground while the Jesuit offense failed to make the plays necessary. It was Coppell’s day to win, but Jesuit still put up a formidable fight. Coppell won this non-district game 34-7, but a morale victory can be taken from the loss.
Jordan Rice said “the defeat only made [the team] hungrier moving forward throughout the season.” He thinks this loss will make the team “practice harder” so they do not have to suffer losing again. Coach Leal says he is “proud of the effort his team kept.” He thinks the game can be used as a teaching point, and the team will benefit from tough games like this.
The Rangers have a BYE week to focus on improvements before their District opener. On September 25, the Rangers look to bounce back as they attempt to take home the Junior Varsity 9-6A District Title. Come support the squad at Sunset as they attempt to defeat the Bisons and advance to 3-1 on the season.
