We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Jesuit football team in this preview. We take a look at roster changes and what fans can expect from the team this season.
2021 Stats
- Overall Record: 15-0
- Points Scored: 568
- Points Allowed: 126
Key Losses
The Jesuit offense is tasked with replacing its top two receivers in Junior Vandeross and Jaydn Girard, a duo that accounted for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago. Vandeross also was a factor in the running game for the Tigers last season, while Carter French, another key receiver, has moved on as well.
On defense, arguably the biggest loss is defensive back Wade Woodaz, and Jesuit lost four more players who each collected more than 100 tackles a year ago: AJ Cottrill, Wayne Quin, Caleb Williams, and Connor Charest. Omarion Clark is a key loss in the Tigers’ front seven, while others such as Michael Leonardo, Daniel Fuentes, and Hayes Greep have also moved on.
Who’s Back
The Jesuit offense will again be one of the highest-scoring in the state. That group is led by the returning quarterback/running back duo of Luke Knight and Joquez Smith. One of the state’s top returning running backs, Smith rushed for 29 touchdowns a year ago, and again will play a significant role for the Tigers, alongside others such as Jarriett Buie Jr, Bryson Goodwin, and Ian Wilson II.
Defensively, the headline name for the Tigers is Troy Bowles, one of the state’s top linebackers. He amassed more than 100 tackles in 2022. Drew Woodaz and Peter Pesansky also return in the Jesuit front seven, while Andre Gilbert Jr, Luke Arena, and RJ McCollough are other names to know heading into the season.
What to Expect
The 2021 campaign was nothing short of a dream season for the Jesuit Tigers, the defending Class 6A state champions. After finishing undefeated at 15-0, Jesuit returns numerous key names from that squad and enters the fall as one of the state’s top overall teams, regardless of classification. Led by what should be a very good offense, the Tigers will contend for a second straight state title in 2022, with Jesuit arguably the top preseason team in 3M-Region 2.
Prediction
Jesuit will win 13 games in 2022, reaching at least a state semifinal.
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