With 13 returning starters, Jesuit is hopeful that it will compete in the postseason for an eighth consecutive year in 2026.
Jesuit does have a few key holes to fill, however, in particular at the skill positions offensively.
Fortunately, while junior J.P. Livingston will be making his debut starts at quarterback, he did receive playing experience down the stretch last season, finishing 27-of-49 for 366 yards and four touchdowns.
Livingston will be distributing the ball to a new-look group of pass-catchers as Jesuit lost its top six receiving leaders from a year ago.
Senior Max Smith is back after hauling in 13 catches for 144 yards and three touchdowns, while Joseph Konings had six receptions for 104 yards.
“(Livingston) playing late last year will be a big benefit,” said Brandon Hickman, Jesuit head coach. “He’s 6-foot-4, so he has some good size, and we’re pretty confident that he’ll be ready for the challenge in the fall.
“At receiver, we lost a lot, but we’ve seen a few guys really starting to emerge.”
What Jesuit lacks in experience in the passing game, it makes up for in the ground attack.
Ty Daboub is primed for a breakout season, according to Hickman, after gaining more than 5.5 yards per carry with a team-high six rushing touchdowns last season.
Dabout will have the benefit of running behind a seasoned offensive line headlined by returning first-team all-district performer Ben Bumgardner.
Defensively, secondary member Ben Phillips, linebacker Jackson Gair and lineman Cole Johnson give the Rangers a key returner at each positional group.
With so much talent back, the biggest challenge for Jesuit may well be a move to a District 6-6A that features perennial powers Allen and Prosper.
Author
