On Saturday, Sept. 13, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s varsity football team will be facing off against Christian Brothers High School in one of the biggest football games of the year, the Holy Bowl. Coming off a couple of strong wins, the Marauders look to continue their winning streak in their annual rivalry game at Hughes Stadium. 

A week one loss to Woodcreek High School left a lot up in the air about the season, but week two at El Camino High School against Rio Americano High School eased concerns. The Marauders played 95 straight minutes holding their opponents scoreless over the next two games, only giving up a touchdown with seconds to go in the fourth against Bellarmine. 

With the offense and defense on a roll, Assistant Coach Eddie Ralph thinks the team is ready. 

“I think we’re confident,” Coach Ralph said. “We’ve had a couple good games, and we’ve played well. So the goal is just to keep ourselves consistent and keep doing the things that we’ve done correctly.”

Running back Kwanna Smith ’28 echoes that idea. 

“I feel like the momentum has been good if we keep it up every week,” Kwanna said. “Games should be blown out if we keep our effort on.”

When Jesuit has played at their best, opponents have not come close to winning. With that in mind, the Marauders are confident, but not arrogant, trusting in their practice. 

“I don’t think you ever expect a win,” Coach Ralph said. “You always prepare to win. You always hope that your preparations put you in a situation to win, but I never want to say you expect to win again.”

Holy Bowl has gone in favor of the Marauders for nearly a decade, and the crowd is always a major part of the experience. Likely the biggest show of school spirit in any year, the Holy Bowl pulls large crowds.

“The student sections in the last couple of games have been pretty hype,” said Head Cheerleader Evan Morton ’26. “We’ve had a good amount of people show up, especially to the first home game against Bellarmine. Rio had a good turnout too, so I’m expecting Holy Bowl to be very big.” 

With consistent student sections and great performances from our boys in red, this year’s Holy Bowl is bound to be another great game. Be at Hughes Stadium on Saturday because your Jesuit experience gives you only four opportunities to show out at a Holy Bowl as a student, and any senior will tell you to make the best of them.