After punishing Grant 36-0 last Friday, the football team improved to a record of 2-2 on the season. This Friday, October 3rd, they will kick off Metro league play against the Westview Wildcats.

The previous year, Jesuit hosted the Wildcats and the Crusaders’ defense led them to a 28-6 win over the guests. This win extended Jesuit’s long-standing dominance over Westview, as the Crusaders have not lost to the Wildcats since 1996.

Looking at Jesuit’s offense, junior running back Luke Ortner has been one of the most dominant running backs in the state, rushing for 834 yards and six touchdowns so far this season. On the other side, the Wildcats have had a hot start to the season, going 3-1 and averaging about 42 points per game.

Good news for the Crusaders, as senior Joe Stimpson is making his return from a knee injury that has kept him out all season. As a first-team All-Metro wide receiver and defensive back, his presence will add another versatile threat to the Crusaders’ lineup. Stimpson is healthy and he is ready to make an impact on both sides of the ball with his teammates.

“I feel confident and ready to play with my teammates again,” said Stimpson.

Jesuit will need to bring both sides of the ball, especially their defense, at full strength as they begin their push for a Metro league title. Their secondary, led by safety Roman Mallard and cornerback Kyle Goodwin, will be tested by a high-powered Wildcats offense that has shown it can score quickly. Starting sophomore cornerback Ethan Peng spoke on the teams’ secondary.

“Our corners and safeties are prepared, but we will be tested. I know our guys will be able to shut down Westview’s passing offense. I trust everyone from the top to the bottom that we can guard all of their guys in one-on-one matchups,” said Peng.

Sophomore safety Carson Floberg noted the intensity that the team is bringing to practice and the excitement they have going into league play.

“Practice has been going great and it feels like both sides of the ball are playing at a high level. The team is concentrated and locked in, and we are focused on league play. Our excitement is booming and we are ready to kick off the start of the Metro season,” said Floberg.

Jesuit travels to Westview to begin Metro league play this Friday, October 3rd at 7:00pm.