The Jesuit Crusaders secured their first victory of the 2025 season with a 34-21 win over the Tigard TIgers.
The game featured an impressive rushing performance from the crusaders, with junior Luke Ortner rushing for 357 yards, just 1 yard short of the Jesuit single game rushing record.
The game started on a high note, with senior Roman Mallard scoring a 94 yard kick return touchdown on the opening drive for the Crusaders.
“It’s a great way to open the game up and set the tone,” Mallard said.
The Tigers responded quickly though, with senior TE Ryan Frye hauling in a 20-yard touchdown pass.
But Ortner answered before halftime, powering in an 8-yard score to give Jesuit a 14-6 lead at halftime.
After a failed 3rd quarter drive, the Tigers closed in the score with a 26 yard field goal from junior kicker Brady Hendricks.
Jesuit’s QB Jack Wilson ran it in on the goal line to boost the score 20-9 only for the Tiger’s WR Jack Morris to break loose on a 65-yard touchdown reception.
In the third quarter, Luke Ortner continued to dominate with a 72 yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead for the Crusaders 26-15.
On the opening drive of the 4th quarter, Tigard’s Jack Morris scored another touchdown for the Tigers, making the game close at 26-21 with the Crusaders leading with 9 minutes left in the 4th quarter.
The rest of the 4th quarter was a battle, after a faulty drive for the Crusaders, they were forced to punt with seven minutes left. After an impressive defensive performance and tackle for loss by senior Jacob Gorman, the Tigers were forced to punt the ball.
A familiar story, Luke Ortner had yet again another 45 yard rushing touchdown, crushing all hope for the Tigers, giving the Crusaders the lead 34-21 with 4 minutes left in the game.
Not much time passed before Jesuit junior Kyle Goodwin intercepted a deep ball which gave the Crusaders possession on the 4 yard line with little time left in the game.
The Crusaders ended the game 34-21 with a massive performance from Luke Ortner, who was just 1 yard short of the Jesuit single game rushing record.
”The game was thrilling and it was awesome to be cheering on a winning team” Senior spirit director Callum Foley said.
