Senior Sy Mendenhall scored two electric tries to put a proper bookend on a ultimately dominating performance as Jesuit upended the Eagles, 31-14, on Sunday afternoon at Postell Stadium. The Jesuit Dallas rugby squad finally took to the field after several attempts to start the 2021 season were delayed or cancelled. Saturday's season-opener between the Rangers and district rival Allen proved to be quite the test for the squad, as a physical contest forced both teams to battle for every yard in a gritty showdown for field position.
 
Mendenhall scored his first try with 19 minutes remaining in the first half, picking up a loose ball off of a dropped pass by Allen and breaking away from the Eagle back line on a sprint for the score. The try sparked the Rangers, as 10 minutes later a sensational hit by senior Jack Judson caused a loose ball that was picked up by junior Kyle Nolan over the try line for Jesuit's second score of the game.
 
A late try by Allen sent Jesuit into the break with a 12-7 lead, but not before Judson eliminated Allen's hopes for second half momentum with an 80-yard run that quelled the Eagles' hopes for an equalizing score prior to the halftime horn.
 
Jesuit began the second half putting the pressure on the Allen defense, driving deep into Allen territory six minutes into the second stanza. A Jesuit scrum which started a few feet in front of the try line was passed to junior Brennan Graham, who was able to reach inside the flag and plant the ball down for a try that reignited the Rangers and gave the Blue and Gold a 17-7 lead.
 
With 18:06 left to go in the second half, Mendenhall picked up his second long try of the game when Mendenhall intercepted an Allen pass at midfield and cruised into the try zone for a 24-7 lead. Junior Charlie Freeman capped the win, catching a deflected pass deep in Eagle territory and diving over the try line for the Rangers' final goal of the contest.
 
Jesuit's starting 15, a lineup which included seniors Robert Triantos, Aidan Piotrowski, Will Delaney, captain Luke Aldinger, Marshal Neri, Dimitri Papanicolau and Jacob Wooten alongside juniors Benoni Mesfin, Ryan Allred and Mendenhall, Freeman, Judson, Nolan and Graham put forth a stellar defensive front, only allowing the late try on a stellar run down the sideline by the Eagles. The Rangers frustrated Allen throughout the matchup, controlling the pace of the game and keeping the Eagle offense in check with a second half shutout.
 
Jesuit will return to action on Saturday, when the Blue and Gold will take on Plano at Postell Stadium. Kickoff between the Rangers and Wildcats is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.