Football Wins District Opener

Jesuit High School football opened its District schedule with bang, scoring in all three phases – offense, defense, and special teams – while routing Sarasota Booker 48-0 on Friday night (Sept. 13) at Corral Memorial Stadium.

The Tigers hit Booker with an early scoring barrage, beginning with a blocked punt by A.J. Cottrill '22 and Spencer Williams '20 that was corralled in the end zone by Troy Bowles '23 (pictured on the homepage celebrating after his score).

Scoring followed from Ricky Parks '21 (30- and 12-yard TD runs), Kiael Kelly '21 (TD passes to Carter French '22 and a gorgeous 43-yard bomb to Jaydn Girard '22), Wade Woodaz '22 (fumble recovery for TD), and Cade Freeman '20, who made a 44-yard field goal and all of his PATs. Booker also took a safety on a bad punt snap.

The defense, led by Army West Point commitments Raleigh Oxendine '20 and Brett Gerena '20, and cornerback Jordan Young '21, stymied the Tornadoes all night long to earn the shutout. Junior Vandeross '22 made several good punt returns to set up Jesuit in good field position. 

The Tigers' season thus far has had highs and heartbreak. Jesuit dropped two down-to-the-final-play games against top-ranked opponents, Plant City (37-29) and at Clearwater (14-10), but bounced back from each with a convincing victory, beating Immokalee 39-6 and trouncing Booker. After a bye week, the Tigers face another new District foe, traveling to Chamberlain on Fri. Sept. 27 at 7:30pm.

Jesuit's sports teams are off to great starts in 2019-20, with bowling, swimming, and hockey undefeated, and golf and cross country making strong performances through early season action. Follow Jesuit sports results at www.jesuittampa.org/page.cfm?p=589.

Click below for a photo slideshow from Friday's football win over Booker: