The Saddle Stays at Jesuit

Last Thursday, Jesuit played WT White in the classic “Battle for the Saddle.” WT White, 5-4 on the season, were looking to win the saddle back f rom Jesuit on their own home turf. Jesuit, reluctant to give the saddle up, blew out the Longhorns 58-24. Going into the game, Coach Hickman explained, “Our focus was to play better than the week before.” Extending their win streak to three games, Jesuit moves to 6-2 on the season and 4-1 in district play.

Jesuit, ready to play from the first snap as always, scored off in their first play with a trick play pass from wide receiver Charlie Eikenberg ’15 to Garret Amy ’15, a 59-yard touchdown. From then on, Jesuit would beat White with their incredible run game, powered by Matthew Slovak ’15 and Max Loughborough ’16. But WT White, unshaken by Jesuit’s trickery, scored on their first drive, as well, after just three plays. Jesuit and White, displaying mature offenses, set the tone for a high-scoring first quarter. The Rangers refused to keep the game tied, and came back with an eight play scoring drive to go up 14-7. This back-and-forth scoring continued, as Bo Schneider ’15 threw a touchdown pass to Eikenberg, and Slovak ran another one in to end the first quarter with a 28-17 lead.

After letting up touchdown after touchdown, both teams locked down on defense for most of the second quarter. Jesuit’s defense, refocused, refused to give up any points and even forced a fumble. Despite stopping Jesuit’s offense several times, the Longhorn defense couldn’t match the Rangers gritty D, and allowed two touchdowns near the end of the second quarter, both by Slovak. Slovak displayed quickness and strength and had a game-high four touchdowns against the Longhorns.

In the second half, the momentum appeared to shift toward the Longhorns as they drove all the way to Jesuit’s 20 yard line, but Jesuit’s d efense prevailed. Matt Hever ’15 sacked the Longhorns’ quarterback on back-to-back plays, and Taylor Stine ’15 added another in a following play, forcing a turnover on downs. Jesuit took advantage of the turnover and scored just three plays later, this time from Max Loughborough ’16.  On the ensuing drive, Jesuit’s defense, no longer willing to give up another long drive, easily forced a three and out against WT White, which Jesuit capitalized on with yet another touchdown. In the fourth quarter, WT White held Jesuit to zero touchdowns while Jesuit allowed one.

Overall, the game showed Jesuit has the capability not only to throw the ball, but to also run. Coach Hickman said, “I thought our offensive line and running backs played very well.” Although Jesuit allowed 17 points early on, they held the Longhorns to just one touchdown in the second half, allowing Jesuit to stay on top. When asked how he thought the team competed, wide receiver Dane Bender ’16 said, “I think that the offense came out and played a solid game, never underestimating the opponent. The saddle was well deserved and I believe that our playing reflected the effort we put in during practice on a short week.”

This Friday, Jesuit plays Irving MacArthur in their homecoming game, their last district game at Postell Stadium this season. Come support Jesuit as they take on 5-3 MacArthur at 7:30.