Jays Score First, But Crusaders Go Last

Posted January 10, 2015 / Last updated January 15, 2015

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Freshman Braden Brignac hurtles to reach the ball before his opponent. Brignac withstood some big hits in the game against Brother Martin.

Freshman Braden Brignac hurtles to reach the ball before his opponent. Brignac withstood some big hits in the game against Brother Martin.

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The Jays learned a valuable lesson playing their crosstown rival Brother Martin on a cold Friday evening at John Ryan Stadium. It’s a basic lesson in all athletic competitions: the game’s not over until it’s over.

After a scoreless first half, the Blue Jays ramped up the intensity and pounced quickly. In the 43rd minute, junior co-captain Chase Rushing was given a splendid opportunity when the Crusaders’ goalie committed. Rushing seized the moment by ramming a shot to the back of the net to give the Jays a 1-0 lead.

This Crusader is in the wrong place at the wrong time as senior Michael Pou kicks the ball.

This Crusader is in the wrong place at the wrong time as senior Michael Pou kicks the ball.

The big questions were, with 37 minutes remaining, could the Jays create some comfort by scoring another goal? Could the Jays sustain the high energy and intensity levels? Could the lone goal stand up for the rest of the match? The answers, my friends, were blowing in the frigid wind – No, No, and No.

With just under five minutes remaining, Jesuit’s intensity levels dropped like the temperature, along with their concentration and focus, which normally must be razor sharp against a team like Brother Martin. In the time it takes to tie a shoe, the Crusaders tied the match, scoring off a long throw-in that was initially headed, then swatted like a fly into the goal.

“We had a lack of concentration that gave them an opportunity,” said coach Hubie Collins. “We look at it as a learning moment, a learning curve, so that in future situations, we’re bigger, we’re stronger.”

The Jays’ overall record is 11-4-3; in-state 11-0-3; and district 4-0-1. (The Jays have yet to win a regular season match against the Crusaders at John Ryan Stadium.)

Jesuit plays a non-district match against Ocean Springs (MS) on Monday, Jan. 12 at John Ryan Stadium. Kickoff is at 5:45 p.m. Following Ocean Springs, the Jays have the week off. Jesuit will visit Rummel on Saturday, Jan. 17 with kickoff at 12:45 p.m. 

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Nola.com: Brother Martin gets late goal for a 1-1 district draw at Jesuit