The Strake Jesuit Crusaders outlasted the St. Thomas Eagles, 28-17, in the first game of the season.
St. Thomas, a TAPPS high school, were up 14-10 on their UIL 6A foe. However, Jesuit running back—Dylan Campbell—broke off a 50-yard run with 4:15 left in the first half, taking the lead and momentum from the Eagles for the rest of the game.
"We are glad to have a win," coach Klay Kubiak said. "Now it's time to focus on our next opponent."
The Crusaders' offense gained most of their yardage through one man -- Dylan Campbell. The dynamo had 79-percent of the team's total yardage. After constantly breaking tackles and juking defenders, Campbell reached the end zone four times. Y
In his first start after transitioning from tight end to quarterback, William Dickason went 5-for-9 for 46 yards. Eight of those passes were screens behind or along the line of scrimmage.
Head coach Klay Kubiak made sure to call plays that would minimize the chances of turnovers. In turn, the offense lacked deceptiveness as St. Thomas loaded the box and sold out on stopping the run on nearly every play. The offensive line had at least four drive-killing false starts and holding penalties.
"There were way too many pre-snap penalties. We just have to calm our guys down" (Kubiak). Although Jesuit scored 28 points, they know there is still room for improvement.
Strake Jesuit's defense played stellar.
"We tackled really well. Nobody ran wild and gashed us. [Also,] having three turnovers is always great," said. defensive coordinator Mike Fikac.
Senior defensive back Nick Cassapo had two interceptions on the night.The defense also held St. Thomas to -3 rushing yards, only 223 passing yards and a 38-percent completion rate.
"We need less [post-snap] penalties and a lot more speed," Fikac said.