100 Wins for Coach Thompson

Jesuit football went on the road in its season opener, traveling to highly regarded Wharton on Friday (Aug. 26) and earning a hard-fought 23-14 win.

It was a great victory to start the season, as well as a major milestone: head coach Matt Thompson's 100th win.

In his 10th season as Jesuit head coach, Thompson entered 2022 coming off the 2021 Class 6A State Championship victory and with 99 career wins – an average of 11 a season. By reaching the 100 mark in the first game of year 10, Thompson is the fastest to achieve 100 wins at the school, and he joins Bill Minahan (1966-85) and Dominick Ciao (1986-2002) in the century club among Jesuit football coaches.

Friday at Wharton, linemen Peter Pesansky '24 and Andre Morris '23 sparked a swarming defense, and running back Joquez Smith '23 rushed for 180 yards and a critical TD in the 4th quarter. Luke Knight '24 threw two TD passes, to Willy Suarez '24 and Jarriett Buie '23. (On the homepage: Suarez [left] and Buie celebrate Buie's 30-yard touchdown reception.)

The Tigers have won 16 straight overall and 28 straight regular season games, but they face a daunting schedule this fall. In the next two weeks, Jesuit will play two Class 8A State Semifinalists from last season, hosting Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast this Friday (Sept. 2) and then traveling to Miami Columbus on Sept. 9. The Tigers also travel to perennial powerhouse Armwood (Sept. 23), and host highly regarded Clearwater Central Catholic (Oct. 7 - Homecoming) and 2021 Class 7A State runner-up Tampa Bay Tech (Oct. 21 - Senior Night) among many strong opponents.

Go to the Facebook page Jesuit High School Football - Tampa to view dozens of photos from each game. During the regular season, all Jesuit home games and select road games are livestreamed on the Jesuit High School Football - Tampa Facebook page.