By Liam Smith ’20

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The Strake Jesuit fighting Crusaders varsity football team handily defeated the Elsik Rams 41-14 Friday, October 4. At least a thousand fans were in attendance for the school’s second home game of the season. A win made for an excellent start to a homecoming weekend. 

First Half

In the first half, Jesuit owned the Rams. Running backs Dylan Campbell ‘20 and Alex May ‘21 combined for more than 100 rushing yards. Even William Dickason, the quarterback, participated in the festivities. On the first drive, an Elsik linebacker went down with an undisclosed injury. Going into the game, the linebacking corps was critical in stopping Jesuit’s potent rushing attack. That early loss contributed to three consecutive scoring drives for Strake Jesuit. The Crusaders capitalized on a tip ball interception on their 30 yard line to set up their fourth drive. They were able to string together a five minute barrage of runs close to the 35 yard line, but unfortunately missed a field goal to end the half. 

Strake Jesuit’s defense did a good job containing Terrel Johnson, the dynamic senior quarterback for Elsik. Most of the Rams’ play calls were shotgun read option plays—perfect for a 3-4 defense who pride themselves on stopping the run. Even when their quarterback threw a surprise pass for 40 yards, captain linebacker, Christian Gordon ‘20 redeemed the team with an interception. On the subject of stand out performers, Junior defensive tackle Jacob Psyk ’21 is such a disruptive force that the Rams had to scheme around him. Elsik’s main objective was to play to the boundaries. Instead of running between the tackles, Elsik primarily ran Power runs outside (yes, out of the shotgun) and threw quick screens. Their efforts would not translate into points, though.

Second Half

Strake Jesuit scored on their first drive of the half with 76 yard run courtesy of Dylan Campbell. Elsik came out of the half trying to shake their offense up. They set themselves up on the goaline with a 70-yard shot play. A shot play is when receivers see a defensive lineman jump offside and streak down the field knowing they have a free play regardless of any turnovers that might occur. Elsik then ran the ball for an easy score. The Rams desperately sought to keep their offensive spark ignited. Instead of keeping to their identity as a spread option offense, Elsik chose to throw multiple downfield passes in their consecutive scoring drive. With the score at 35-14, quarterback William Dickason ‘20 took matters into his own hands. He tore off two scrambles totaling 65 yards and a score, sealing a victory for the Crusaders. With seven minutes left in the game, Jesuit opted to rest Campbell and Dickason and play junior running back Alex May and senior quarterback Angel Penso. Alex May eclipsed 100 yards, adding to a team total of 440 rushing yards that night. 

This team win keeps the Crusader’s playoff hopes alive while most likely ending Elsik’s. Strake Jesuit improves to 3-2 and looks to play at home next Friday against Alief Hastings (3-2).