Jesuit Falls to Plano East at 2016 Cotton Bowl Showcase
The Plano East Panthers spoiled career outings by seniors Evan Jackson and John Wunderlick, scoring 22 points off of four Jesuit turnovers in a 51-27 Ranger setback on Friday evening at the Historic Cotton Bowl. Jackson ran the ball 27 times for 171 yards, finding the end zone twice, while Wunderlick posted 114 reception yards and a touchdown reception. Junior Parker Towns completed 15 passes for 222 yards in his first varsity start, tossing a pair of touchdowns and an interception. Senior Connor Jackson made four catches for 46 yards, scoring once. Defensively, senior Andrew Miskell led the team with five tackles, recording three solo stops and 1.5 sacks for 13 yards. Fellow seniors Lucas Kincade and John Guzman logged 4.5 tackles each, and Guzman recovered a Plano East fumble in the second quarter.
Rangers Pounding the Pavement Behind Experienced Offensive Line
After the first two games of the 2016 campaign, Jesuit has averaged 199 rushing yards per game. The team's success on the ground can be largely credited to the Rangers' the offensive line, which features five seniors in starting positions. Center Max McLeod and right guard Dalton Allen earned UIL All-District honors last season, while fellow fourth years Dean Eikenberg, Vance Holub and Jaxson Fearing enter the 2016 season with varsity experience under their belts. Additionally, Allen is a captain for the Blue and Gold, while head coach Brandon Hickman works directly with the offensive line.
Parker Performs Under Pressure in Varsity Debut
Junior Parker Towns impressed Ranger fans in his first varsity start, throwing for 222 yards against Plano East. Completing 58.14 percent of his passes this season, Towns completed his first two varsity touchdown passes on Friday, connecting from 23 yards out to Connor Jackson in the second quarter before a 31-yard bomb to John Wunderlick in the third. By comparison, current senior Jacob Palisch completed 13-of-16 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown in his varsity debut, a 35-0 win over Arlington Bowie in last year's home opener on August 28, 2015.
Ollarzabal Impressive to Kickstart Junior Season
Junior Israel Ollarzabal took over kicking duties this season after the graduation of John Wengierski, and has helped tremendously throughout their first two games. The junior is averaging 51 yards per kick and has recorded three touchbacks. In addition, Ollarzabal is averaging 42 yards per punt, including a season-long punt of 56 yards last week against Plano East, and is 2-of-3 in attempted field goals, including a 36-yarder against DeSoto in week one.
Last Time They Met…
Lake Travis ended Jesuit's 2013 season, 55-30, in the UIL Regional Quarterfinal round. The Rangers scored the game's first 14 points and led the Cavaliers, 24-21, at halftime, but Lake Travis scored 34 unanswered points in the second half to tip the scales. Bo Schneider '15 finished the game completing 25-of-42 passes for 361 yards and four touchdowns, two of which went to Garrett Amy '15. Lake Travis took advantage of three Jesuit turnovers, while Cavalier running back Shawn Nixon rushed for 337 yards and five touchdowns. Lake Travis' playoff run ended in a 19-10 state semifinal loss to eventual state champion Cedar Hill.
Rangers Return to the 28 Acres
For the first time since November 13, 2015, the Jesuit Rangers will compete at Postell Stadium, playing for the first time on a newly renovated FieldTurf surface. Last year, the Rangers were 6-0 at home, and have not lost a game at Gary Pasqua Field since October 31, 2014 against Irving MacArthur. Jesuit has averaged 43.3 points over the last two years at home, outscoring opponents, 520-256 during that stretch. The Rangers will play at home in four of their next five games, including district bouts against Coppell (Sept. 23), Skyline (Oct. 7) and Pearce (Oct 14).
Up Next
Non-district play concludes with tonight's game, and Jesuit will use the upcoming bye week to prepare for a newly realigned UIL District 9-6A. The Rangers will return home and welcome Coppell to Postell Stadium on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the first meeting between the two schools since the 2011 season. Jesuit will look to claim the first win over the Cowboys since the 2004 season.
