Luke Thorburn ’20

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The Fighting Crusaders varsity football team is off to a remarkable 3-1 start under new head coach, Mark Modeste. The Crusaders opened up the season at home against non-district opponent Galveston Ball in Coach Modeste’s regular season debut as head coach.

Strake Jesuit dominated on both sides of the ball and rolled to a 35-7 blowout win. The running game led the way for the Crusaders as Michael Wiley (2019) rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns and James Moskosky (2018) racked up 112 yards and added one score. Senior captain Michael Jewett led the defense with 13 total tackles, including one sack.

The winning theme continued the following week, as the Crusaders easily cruised by a clearly outmatched Memorial team, defeating them by a score of 27-11. Moskosky (2018) came up big again, rushing for his season high of 119 yards and scoring one touchdown. Christian Gordon (2020) and Seamus Mcfarland (2018) contributed in a huge way on the defensive side of the ball, both ending the game with 12 total tackles each.

The following week, district play began for the Crusaders on the road, as they battled Cinco Ranch at Rhodes Stadium. The Crusaders fought hard in the game but unfortunately came up just short, as they lost a tough one 13-21. Jake Arrell (2018) led the game with 18 total tackles and the defense put pressure on the opposing quarterback all night, sacking him six times.

Last week, the Crusaders bounced back in a large way, winning their matchup with Seven Lakes at home 34-13, bringing their district record to an even 1-1. Michael Wiley (2019) played a great game, gaining 222 all purpose yards and scoring two touchdowns. The defense had their way with the Seven Lakes offense, forcing five turnovers. Seamus Mcfarland had two interceptions and was named player of the game.

The Crusaders will put their 3-1 record on the line this Friday, October 13, against the Morton Ranch Rams, away at Rhodes Stadium.