The final whistle marked the end of the game, the last of Jesuit varsity football’s non-district games. Although the final score was in favor of a nationally ranked Lake Travis team, the Rangers could look forward to a promising season ahead.
On Friday, September 9th, Jesuit’s varsity football team faced off against Lake Travis in Postell Stadium with a full house in the stands. The first home game of the season ended with a final score of 42-10 in favor of the explosive Lake Travis team.
Although the game was a loss for Jesuit, it proved to be a very important game for the team. The Rangers dominated the time of possession, thanks to several long drives by the offense. Not only did the game show what the Rangers need to work on, but also the plays late in the game demonstrated the devotion that the whole team has for football.
Fletcher Rosenbleeth ’18 noted that “playing Lake Travis was great for our team. Despite the outcome of the game, I believe that we played fairly well against a nationally ranked team. Playing them highlighted our strengths and weaknesses, and while there are improvements to be made, I am confident that our team will have a successful season.” Lake Travis, who is ranked 30th in the country is now 2-1 on their season, as they lost their first game of the season to Judson.
Defensive back Cade Brewer ’18 admitted, “We didn’t play to the standard that we hope to achieve as the season continues. With hard work and dedication that I know our team possesses, anything will be possible for us. Our goal is to defend our district title, and with our determination and excellent coaching, I think that we achieve our goal and more.” Cade, who had four tackles, including one tackle for a loss, admitted that the team could do better, but their hard work will improve their game performances against their district opponents.
Lake Travis utilized their explosive run game to great effect, rushing for 322 total yards, adding to their 150 passing yards. Lake Travis had three touchdowns from more than 40 yards out from the goal line. Jesuit’s kicker, sophomore Israel Ollarzabal, scored a field goal in the first half and Jesuit’s lone touchdown was rushed by senior Evan Jackson in the fourth quarter. Jesuit’s offense combined for a total of 299 yards, split almost evenly by the passing and running games.
Head Coach Brandon Hickman noted that “we saw some good things on film and some areas that we need to improve. I give Lake Travis a lot of credit, and they had a great team. Our players played very hard until the end, and that is very important that we never gave up.” The team’s commitment to finishing the game against Lake Travis was evident in their late defensive stops and the touchdown rush by Evan Jackson.
Junior linebacker Nicky Prendergast recognized that “the team started to pick it up towards the end of the game, and we got a touchdown and a few stops. The whole team is looking forward to a tough game next week against Coppell, a team that could be a potential competitor for the District Championship.” Next week’s game against Coppell is Jesuit’s first district game of the season as well as the UIL district season.
When asked about the district season beginning next week, Coach Hickman responded, “Our game next Friday is against a good Coppell team, and we are looking forward to playing our first district game at home. It’s a big game for us and starts off district play. We are looking forward to an exciting year.” Now that the district games are beginning, these games will contribute to the district record, which will decide who makes it to the playoffs.
Jesuit kicks off the UIL district season next Friday, September 28, in Postell Stadium at 7:30. The team hopes to have a strong start to the district season, and any and all support for your Jesuit Rangers would be greatly appreciated on game day.
