A Season of Tough Football and Memorable Plays

A Season of Tough Football & Memorable Plays

Football is often called a game of inches, a game that is decided by one play that could change the tide. The 2020-21 Jesuit Blue Jays (5-5) always had this thought in the forefront of their minds as each player approached his job with diligence and severity.

This successful mind-set translated to huge wins against rival Holy Cross and offensive juggernaut Hahnville. With other impressive victories against Helen Cox and Shaw, the Jesuit squad found themselves as the No. 9 seed and traveled to St. Paul’s for a rainy playoff matchup.

The Blue Jays dominated as soon as they got off bus and delivered an impressive win for those fans who made the trip to the Northshore. Senior Luke Besh caught three touchdowns and propelled the Blue and White to a second-round matchup with undefeated rival and No. 1 seeded Brother Martin.

In one of the premier games of the Catholic League season, the Jays showed no fear in their first matchup against the Crusaders and found themselves up 42-38 with time running down. The Crusaders got the ball back for one last drive and scored with 14 seconds left to take a hard-fought victory at Hoss Memtsas Stadium by a score of 45-42.

The playoff date produced another exciting matchup in Tad Gormley Stadium, this time with Brother Martin grabbing an early 14-0 lead.

Instead of conceding defeat, the Blue Jays remembered one thing: all it takes is one inch. Senior Hayden Morris found his opportunity and returned a fumble for a touchdown to swing the momentum early in the second quarter. After that, Jesuit started to find ways to compete and led by 10 with under 10 minutes left in the game.

While Brother Martin ended up winning a nail-bitter 36-34, Jesuit never quit and produced a season full of highlights and top-notch football.

Senior receiver Max Milano and senior quarterback Luke LaForge broke a record that stood for 66 years: longest receiving completion in school history. The previous record in 1954 featured an 88-yard completion from Billy Ladner ’56 to Ritchie Petitbon ’55. Milano and LaForge set the new record by a yard on Milano’s 89- yard touchdown reception against Hahnville.

Another receiver also found his way into the record books. Due to his tremendous season, Besh is now tied for the 9th most touchdowns in a regular season with 17 touchdowns this fall.

In addition to Besh, receivers Milano, senior Presten Berggren, and sophomore Jace Larsen caught touchdowns and contributed to the explosive offense.

The two-quarterback system also paid off for the Jays as senior LaForge and junior Jack Larriviere both shined throughout the tough campaign. Both completed 70 passes for the year with LaForge finishing with 1,238 yards and 17 passing touchdowns, and Larriviere amassing 942 yard in the air with 15 total touchdowns.

The defense also brought the pressure all season long. Senior Max Jubenville led the team in tackles with 117, and junior Dennis Dougherty joined the century club with 101 tackles. Senior defensive end Luke Carlton never backed down and constantly found himself in the opposing team’s backfield with a pressure or a sack.

“Each and every player on this team gave it his all in every practice and every game,” coach Scott Bairnsfather said. “I could not have asked for a better group of seniors, underclassmen, and coaches to handle the challenges of the 2020 football season and could not be prouder of them for their efforts.”

Coach said it best: this team had heart, and it showed on the field. Jesuit has much to be proud of and a young core that will carry on the tradition of class and excellence in 2021. •

20 | JAYNOTES | FALL / WINTER 2020