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PREVIEW: Lake Highlands vs. Dallas Jesuit
Already competing in district matchups this season, the hike to playoffs has begun for both Lake Highlands and Dallas Jesuit. Looking to continue improving their season record, both teams are seeking their second district victory. VYPE DFW takes a look at these two teams and what fans can expect from this matchup:
Lake Highlands Wildcats (2-1)
The Wildcats posted a week two loss against Flower Mound (41-21), regrouped, and never looked back. This team is geared up for excellence this season and ready to showcase that to anyone who tries to get in their way. Posting a non-district victory over Mesquite Poteet (35-7) and a district opening statement win over Highland Park (51-41) in front of a home crowd last week, Lake Highlands is set to make their mark this season.
Led by Ayden Webb, Deonte Dean, Tripp Holley, Javian Hobson, Harrison Day, CJ Johnson, Kenney Oluyemi, Leland Germany, and more, this roster is filled with athletes who are no strangers to making big plays when it matters most. Looking to continue their winning record in district, they will do whatever it takes against Jesuit on Friday.
Dallas Jesuit Rangers (2-1)
The Rangers posted a hard-fought 39-34 loss in week one against Hebron. With the ability to learn from challenges, Jesuit bounced back and posted back-to-back victories over Rockwall (60-59) and JJ Pearce (41-39).
Each game being incredibly close, the Rangers have shown that the drive they have is powered by dedication and perseverance. This team has no quit and will continue forward on Friday night against Lake Highlands.
What To Expect
Last year, the Rangers overcame the Wildcats for a close 32-31 week four victory. Jesuit knows how to keep fans on the edge of their seat while making their opponents sweat. Picking up on their opponents' strategy quickly, fans can expect Jesuit to give Lake Highlands a run for their money. Seeking revenge from last season, Lake Highlands is going to use their fire from their last victory to put in the work against Jesuit. Sharpening their skills and honing in on what it takes to beat big schools in the area, the Wildcats can be expected to put up a fight and not show any quit against Jesuit.
Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m. on Friday, September 15th in a Dallas Jesuit home game.
High School Football Showdown on CW33: Lake Highlands vs. Richardson J.J. Pearce
Teams across the state continue to work through their district schedules with hopes of a deep playoff run or simply keeping their season alive. This week, the Thursday highlighted game on CW33 is between two Richardson ISD teams -- the Lake Highlands Wildcats and the J.J Pearce Mustangs. VYPE DFW takes a dive into these two teams' seasons and lays out just what fans can expect from this Thursday night game!
Lake Highlands Wildcats (6-2, 4-2)
Last season, the Wildcats went 10-2 overall, only losing against a tough district rival (Dallas Jesuit) and Allen in the playoffs. The team came into the season strong and continued to fight all the way through. Using the momentum of last season, Lake Highlands has posted big victories this season including a season opening shut out over Mesquite Poteet (21-0), a 42-7 victory over Richardson Berkner, a 42-7 victory over Irving MacArthur, and more. Last week, the Wildcats posted a big 45-10 victory over Richardson High and will look to continuing their strong scoring this week against Pearce.
Outscoring their opponents this season by nearly 150 points, the Wildcats offense is led by junior running back Deonte Dean, senior wide receiver Obarinemi Osarollor, junior quarterback Tripp Holley, and more. Dean is averaging nearly 80 rushing yards per game while Osarollor averages 63 receiving yards a game. Holley continues to remain focused and decisive in the pocket for the Wildcats. The defense has also continued to focus on putting big stops to their opponents this season.
J.J. Pearce Mustangs (3-4, 3-2)
After a tough season last year where the Mustangs posted a 3-7 overall schedule, Pearce has been working hard to improve their team. Pearce saw adversity through non-district games and remained composed through teams that made sure the Mustangs would be battle tested as they headed into their district schedule. So far this season, Pearce has posted three district victories- 48-7 over Irving Nimitz, 55-49 in overtime against Irving MacArthur, and a 28-14 victory over Richardson High.
Taking steps to learn from mistakes, the team has proven to be resilient through their district schedule. Jack McGarry, Andrew Casagrande, Caden Varner, Blake Follett, Presley Harper, and more offensive athletes contribute to the improvement of the offense each game. McGarry averages about 53 receiving yards per game while Varner and Follett average 44-46 receiving yards per game. Casagrande averages 29 rushing yards per game. Harper is focused in the pocket as he gets the plays off and remains focused on scoring. The defense continues to improve with each district opponent they face; Isaac Martinez has caused three fumbles this season while recording 16 quarterback hurries. Jonathan Agumadu has recorded 15 QB hurries and 4.5 sacks.
What To Expect
Pearce wants the opportunity to continue improving their schedule while Lake Highlands is ready to put another victory notch on their record! We have seen Pearce battle back from adversity, but we have also seen a Lake Highlands team that has prevailed while being relentless against opponents- especially in their district schedule. If you can't make it out to Richardson for the game, be sure to catch all the action on CW33- kick-off is set for 7 p.m.