The Plank - Sports

Plank Article Nick Ryan ’26 Brady Anderson ’25

Jesuit Dominates Rio In ‘The Battle for American River Drive’

In yet another victory over Rio Americano High School, and the first under the new permanent stadium lights, Jesuit High School Sacramento put on a dominant display in their season opener, defeating their American River Drive rivals 56-7. 

The Big Red Machine began the game with a strong drive that ended in a ten yard rushing touchdown by running back and linebacker Jack Patock ’25. After only three minutes of play and a successful point after touchdown (PAT) by Yudiel “Dragon” Mondragon Jr ’26, the Marauders established a lead that they never relinquished. 

Rio’s first drive on offense ended in a fumble and was recovered by Jack, leaving Jesuit on Rio’s 25-yard line. One minute later running back Alan Cordano ’25 had a 8-yard carry for the second touchdown of the game. Dragon again made the PAT, expanding Jesuit’s lead to 14.

Plank Article Zach Monahan ’25 Nick Ryan ’26

Jesuit Cross Country: excelling with depth

As Jesuit High School Sacramento’s fall sports kickoff, its cross country program, headed by legendary Head Cross Country Coach Walt Lange, looks stronger than ever. 

After Saturday, Aug. 17’s intrasquad race, “The meeting of the Marauders,” Assistant Cross Country Coach Thomas Witzgall ’98 is confident that the team will excel this season.

“As a team, I think we’re probably one of the best teams Jesuit’s ever had,” Coach Witzgall said.

Plank Article Matin Sayareh '25 Cooper Zarro '26

Kicking off, under the lights

A new era of Jesuit High School Sacramento football has arrived. With the move into the Sierra Foothill League and the addition of permanent stadium lights, the atmosphere at home games will never be the same again. The first of these matches, which takes place on Friday, Aug. 30 against Rio Americano High School, is crucial to setting Jesuit off to a good start.

Quarterback Theodore “Teddy” Rios ’26 believes that this highly anticipated game will give the team a chance to prove themselves in a new year.

“[The lights] will just bring another level of energy and excitement before the game,” Teddy said. “The Rio game is going to be really energetic, we’re really pumped, it’s a great rivalry, everyone is super close together at both schools and we’re just trying to go out and make a statement that we’re for real.”

Plank Article Milo Moggan ’26

Jesuit football: fueled by ambition

On Friday, Aug. 27, the Jesuit High School varsity football team played De La Salle High School in their only scrimmage game. Their season officially opens against Rio Americano High School on Aug. 30.

Although score is not kept in scrimmages, this matchup still served as a solid benchmark for the team’s performance going into the season.​

“Friday’s scrimmage was a great learning experience for us,” said running back Jack Patock ’25. “We saw where our strengths were, and found areas that we need to work on. We struggled being consistent – some drives we played well, and others we played poorly. Our goal is to be more consistent and make less mistakes each week, which I know we can achieve.”

Plank Article Nick Ryan ’26

Sub-4 club: history in the making for Jesuit sports

On Saturday, Jan. 27, two Jesuit High School Sacramento alumni took to the track in the Dempsey Indoor Center in Seattle, Washington, and raced the indoor mile at the 2023 University of Washington Invitational Track Meet. 

In an amazing race, Matt Strangio ’20 and Spencer Pickren ’21 both ran personal bests, with Strangio winning the race in 3:55.53, putting himself at 19th place in the nation for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and 29th in the world at all levels for this indoor season at the time of the race. His recent 3000 meter race is also the 11th fastest in the history of the NCAA. 

Plank Article Nick Ryan ’26

The Wrap: Jesuit basketball section tournament

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Varsity Basketball team faced off against Cordova High School and had one of their highest scoring games of the season. Beating CHS 94-63, the Marauders came out with a win and advanced to the quarter-finals in the Section playoffs.

Plank Article Jason De Guzman ’25

Otis Hill Academy wins 3v3 intramural tournament in spectacular fashion

This year’s 3v3 Intramural Tournament at Jesuit High School Sacramento ended in spectacular fashion. The championship game was played on Thursday, Feb. 8, during the Winter Sports Rally in front of the entire school. Everyone in attendance was fully entertained as Otis Hill Academy came storming back in the final minute to overcome a 6-point deficit and triumph over Jack’s Team.

Plank Article Nick Ryan ’26

The Wrap: Jesuit soccer meets their goals

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s nationally ranked varsity soccer team faced off against Central Valley High School. Jesuit is ranked number one in the section and CVHS was ranked number 12. With great games from midfielder James Andrew ’24 and forward Kellen Jacot ’24, Jesuit won 3-1 and remains strong as the playoffs progress.

Plank Article Jason De Guzman ’25

Aiming for a blue banner

On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity basketball team won their most crucial game of the season to that point. In a bout against Sheldon High School, Jesuit won 55-39 to tie for first in the league rankings with SHS. Two days later, on Friday, Feb. 9, Jesuit triumphed again on an 84-58 victory over Pleasant Grove High School. 

Plank Article Nick Ryan ’26

The Wrap: Victory at American River Drive

In a decisive yet relatively low-scoring game against Rio Americano High School, Jesuit High School Sacramento defeated their Carmichael rivals on the hardwood, winning the “Battle for American River Drive.” The game ended with a final score of 51-38 and gave Jesuit their 16th win on the season.

Plank Article Jason De Guzman ’25

Basketball mid-league review

From Jan. 10 to Jan. 19, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity basketball team played a total of six games. Jesuit won four of these games and lost the other two, giving them a record of 14-7 for the season and 5-1 in league play.

Plank Article Nick Ryan ’26

Jesuit wins Holy Hoops in a nail biter

This year’s Holy Hoops game between Jesuit High School Sacramento and Christian Brothers High School couldn’t have been closer. The two teams were evenly matched for the whole game, with neither team ever building a definitive lead.

Plank Article Jason De Guzman ’25

Jesuit swim team prepares for final Delta League Championship

Jesuit High School Sacramento had a hugely successful 2023 swim and dive season, winning the league title, the section title, and finished 10th in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Swimming and Diving Championships. This year, the team aims to build upon that success and dominate in Jesuit’s final year in the Delta League.

Plank Article Lionel Efosa ’26

Looking to create a season to remember

Jesuit High School Sacramento’s 2023 to 2024 soccer season kicked off on Nov. 29, and the team is ready to go. The players prepared for the new season enthusiastically, and are looking forward to putting on a good show and making their fans proud.