Jesuit's
first season in the UIL holds promise
By Savie
Maneen
Magis staff writer
It must be a sign from the gods, or maybe an omen of some
kind. But if the Crusaders’ first year in UIL football
goes anything like their first game in the new stadium, SJ’s
win total will be higher than Ricky Williams at a Phish show.
The sophomore team shutout Baytown Lee back on August 26,
making the first game ever played in Crusader Stadium a win.
Much like the sophomores, SJ varsity will be able to compete
each week, despite playing in one of the toughest districts
in the city. Katy won the state championship last year and
is ranked third in Texas and first in the city.
Alief Taylor, #22 in Houston, and Katy Taylor, #26, add to
the integrity of district 19-5A. The growing misconception
around town was that the Crusaders doing well would take a
miracle, however preseason scrimmages with La Porte (#19 in
Houston) and La Marque proved how underrated SJ actually was.
The Crusaders bring a balanced attack to the table this year,
lead by QB Tim Bandy, TBs Anner Jimenez, and Grant Jefferson
, WR Stephen Tyree, and TE Norbie Juist.
All will be playing behind one of the premier lines in the
city. T, and D-I prospect, Anthony Hynes is a beast at 6’4,
340 lbs. C Mike Lemming, G Alex Brown, T Carlos Garcia, and
G Mike Nijoka combine to form one of the biggest lines in
the district. Look for them to create plenty of space for
Jimenez and Jefferson.
Bandy, a relatively undersized QB at 5’10, 165 lbs.,
compensates with his mobility and arm. He has the ability
to run the ball (4.9 in 40-yd dash) and the accuracy to make
plays on the run. He still managed 1,117 yards and 9 TDs in
only half a season last year.
Jimenez (686 yards, 2 TDs) is a shifty back who can burn once
out in the open. Jefferson is a strong FB who can bust his
way through a line.
On the receiving end, WR Tyree is big and a can get downfield
in a hurry. TE Juist is both a good blocker and great receiver.
Look for a good mix of runs and passes from the Crusaders
this year.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Crusaders present a
pretty formidable front. Sr. DB Justin Moore and FS Stephen
Tyree anchor a backfield that could create problems for opposing
teams.
Juist and Jefferson also double as DL. Juist is big and quick
off the line. Jefferson has the speed to break away into the
backfield in a hurry. Jr. DE Ryan Keel is a solid pass rusher
with speed (4.9 in the 40). Srs. Andrew Miller and Alex Roessler
highlight a LB core that has shown to be effective.
Perhaps the Crusaders’ biggest weaknesses this year
are depth and experience. Backup QBs John DeWitt (Sr.) and
Moses Ogbannaya (So.) both started the season injured.
Tyree, Juist, and Jefferson all play both ways on a team that
returns only five starters on offense and three on defense.
This means other key players such as Sr. FB Miles Colley and
Jr. WR Jon Madsen will be called upon to give other players
a rest.
Most of this team is comprised of first year starters or players
who normally only saw limited time. Many of the positions
have players who play a different position listed as backups.
This is a team that will have learn quickly if they want to
see success in 19-5A. Health will be an important factor as
well.
As for the schedule, key games include Katy, Katy Taylor,
and Alief Taylor.
Katy is one of the most complete teams in the state and the
defending champs. However, they lost head coach Mike Johnston
in the off-season. Katy RB James Aston (Sr.) was a 2,000 yard
back last year, and finished with 24 TDs and an MVP award
in the state championship. The Crusaders ride into Rhodes
Stadium on September 24, their first district game.
Alief Taylor boasts TE Martellus Bennet, first team all-state
and ranked #6 (overall) in the nation, a stud at 6’7,
240 lbs. He has verbally committed to Miami (FL).
SJ’s homecoming against Hastings should be a good one.
Check out DL Vincent Oghobasse, second team all-state, 6’6,
305 lbs. at that one.
On paper, the Crusaders don’t seem to match up that
well with other teams in 19-5A. However early scrimmages and
practices show that the Crusaders definitely have what it
takes to stay in games.
Coach Counter and staff have a history of turning a lackluster
roster into a winning team. If the Crusaders can deviate from
their traditionally conservative playing style and mix it
up somewhat, they should finish with a respectable record.
But then again, miracles do happen.
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