Rangers, Panthers Set to Open District Play
While the Jesuit offense might have used its bye week to reload, its defense might have needed the week off to retool.
The Rangers will find out the answers when they open District 9-6A play against Sunset at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Postell Stadium, following a nondistrict campaign that saw Jesuit score plenty of points — and give up a lot as well.
The good news is that the Rangers (2-1) are averaging 50 points per game this season, including 59 during a win over rival Houston Strake Jesuit two weeks ago. Senior quarterback Bo Schneider, who has verbally committed to Central Florida, has already thrown for 847 yards and 14 touchdowns, with just one interception. His favorite target is Garrett Amy, who had 424 receiving yards and nine scores.
On the opposite side, Jesuit has allowed 142 points in its first three games, although more than half of those came in a season-opening 72-49 loss to Arlington Bowie. Still, the Rangers have surrendered 21 touchdowns to opposing offenses so far.
The district opener against Sunset provides a good opportunity to correct any such issues. The Bison (1-2) snapped a 28-game skid with a victory over North Dallas in their season opener, and have been competitive in losses to Adamson and Fort Worth North Side, but they haven’t faced an opponent at Jesuit’s level.
The teams have been district foes in each of the past four seasons, with the Rangers outscoring Sunset in those games by a combined 204-18.
Other games to watch this week:
North Dallas (1-2) at Hillcrest (3-0)
7 p.m. Thursday at Franklin Stadium
After three easy wins in nondistrict play, the Panthers turn their attention to the Bulldogs and standout running back Geovioni Manning. Dual-threat quarterback Arico Evans has accounted for eight touchdowns — four rushing and four passing — to lead Hillcrest.
Houston Christian (2-1) at ESD (4-0)
7 p.m. Friday
The ESD offense scored almost 42 points per game during its perfect nondistrict campaign, and now will open SPC divisional play against the Mustangs, who held off Austin St. Michael’s 48-46 on Sept. 12. Jack Johnson paces the rushing attack for the Eagles.
St. Mark’s (2-2, 1-1) at Oklahoma City Casady (3-1, 2-0)
7 p.m. Friday
The banged-up Lions will look to bounce back in their first of two Oklahoma trips after falling to All Saints 30-13 last week in their SPC divisional opener. Casady has allowed only seven points apiece against divisional foes Holland Hall and Trinity Valley.
Arlington Oakridge (3-1) at Greenhill (1-3)
7 p.m. Friday
Greenhill has been outscored by a combined 76-13 in its first two SPC divisional games, but Ryan Bradberry has been a bright spot with 605 yards rushing and four touchdowns this year. The Owls have been tough on defense, and topped Holland Hall last week.
Trinity Christian (2-1) at Plano Prestonwood (2-1)
7:30 p.m. Friday
After its offense flexed its muscle during nondistrict play behind Christian Hutzler, Nahshon Ellerbe, and Parker Oliver, TCA faces a rematch of last year’s TAPPS state semifinals against Prestonwood’s high-powered combination of Ryan Cash and Jonathan Heasley.
