Jesuit Jr. Marauders Celebrate Inaugural Home Games

By Mike McIntee

The Youth Football and Cheer organization celebrated its first games at ’s famed Loyola Field last month.

Three of JJM’s four squads earned victories in their home debut on Sept. 17, raising the organization record to 7-1 in two weeks of play.

In the program’s first ever home game, Chris Thorn scored his third touchdown of the game with less than two minutes to go to bring Jesuit within a point of Pioneer at 20-19. The Patriots gang tackled Thorn short of the goal line on the extra point. Pioneer tacked on an insurance score as time ran out for the final margin of 26-19.

“Our boys played with great heart, and all of our coaches are very proud of them,” said Jr. Marauders coach Sean Fisher.

Hunter McGann of the Pee Wees took a pitch 68 yards for a touchdown on Jesuit’s second play from scrimmage to stake the Junior Marauders to a lead it would never relinquish. Jesuit’s offense put together a 13-play, 60-yard march in the second to take a 13-0 lead on McGann’s 21 yard burst over the right side. McGann carried 11 times for 176 yards and three TDs as Jesuit lead 20-0 after three quarters. Nick Stanton added 55 yards on 6 carries.

Pioneer scored on two fourth quarter runs to close to 20-12, but Bryce Heng recovered the onside kick with less than a minute remaining.

The Pee Wee “Red Brick Wall”, led by linebacker Kristoff Swanson, and front men Akili Bonner and Chris Fisher limited a potent Pioneer rushing attack to five first downs.

“Our boys were so excited to get to play at Loyola Field,” said Coach Sean Richmond. “I’m very proud of how the boys played in a very physical football game.”

JJM’s Junior Midgets continued the momentum in the 2 p.m. game.

“The offensive line really did the job for us today, and we had another great defensive effort,” said Coach Dave Ford.

Jesuit’s line – Jason Gallagher, Michael Burgess, Tyler Adge, Kyle Hagy, and Brandon Calk –continually opened big holes that led to four Jesuit scoring drives. On the defensive end, Mason La Fond scooped up a Patriots fumble and carried it for a score. Kicker Calvin Brownholtz was a perfect five for five on PATs. Jesuit cruised to a 40-12 victory.

The Patriots Midgets scored on its first possession, but Jesuit returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown and a crucial change in momentum. Syrus Anderson and Beau Bisharat each had long touchdown runs behind the blocking of Brandon Thong. Jesuit’s defense controlled Pioneer’s Wing T offense for most of a sweltering afternoon.

“We’re thrilled with the effort,” said Coach Russ Brown. “Obviously, it is a great honor to represent Jesuit.”

Following the games, the Jr. Marauders turned out in force at Hughes Stadium to help cheer the varsity Marauders to a 36-12 victory in the 41st .

The Junior Marauders were to resume action on Sept. 24 with games at the Golden Sierra Grizzlies.
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The Jesuit Jr. Marauders is a faith-based athletic organization that actively develops young athletes from all backgrounds. The Jr. Marauders rely on the positive contributions of young athletes and parents in the areas of: sportsmanship, discipline, character, and academic achievement in a competitive team environment. The Jr. Marauders are the official youth tackle football program for Jesuit.