J E S U IT T O D AY
Opposite page: Senior quarterback Connor McMahon looks downfield. Senior running back Dylan Richard (inset) anchored the Blue Jays’ running attack. Below, junior linebacker Travis Noto (55), senior wide receiver Garred Koch (11), and junior kicker-punter Ralphie Freibert (21) join the rest of the team and Blue Jay fans in the ritual after every game, win or lose, of singing the Alma Mater.
But disaster struck on the ensuing kickoff when West Monroe took it 98 yards all the way into the Jesuit end zone, giving the Rebels a 21-3 halftime lead, which increased to 28-3 near the end of the third Wayde Keiser ’78 was selected by the New Orleans Saints and the NFL quarter. The Jays as the 2010 Prep Football Coach of finally scored again the Year. when West Monroe took an intentional safety. But it wasn’t until the clock showed 49 seconds remaining in the game when Jesuit scored its only touchdown — senior quarterback Connor McMahon connected with senior Garred Koch on a 12-yard pass. The extra point by Freibert was blocked. It was little comfort to the Blue Jays when West Monroe advanced to the state championship game and lost, 21-14, to Acadiana, a team seeded 27th. Jesuit went as far as the quarterfinals of the state playoffs because the Blue Jays were a talented, disciplined, and determined team that took to the field and played like a team. That the Jays
were also well-coached by a dedicated staff cannot be overlooked. “It was an outstanding season due to our kids’ work ethic and desire,” reflected head coach Wayde Keiser ’78, who was honored post-season as the “2010 Prep Football Coach of the Year” by the New Orleans Saints and the National Football League. “We were not really the largest or most athletic team,” he added, “but our kids played hard week in and week out, which showed in some of those close games. While our kids played well, we also had the ball bounce our way a few times and that always helps. We were able to run the ball very well with the depth we had at running back and an experienced offensive line. And our defense got better each week. We were very steady in our kicking game which led to some big plays and those helped us to a couple of wins.” Jesuit congratulates three Blue Jays who were named to the Louisiana Sportswriters’ 5A All-State Team: senior defensive back Bobby Dunn, junior kicker and punter Ralphie Freibert, and junior linebacker Debo Jones. Senior offensive lineman Patrick DeVun received an honorable mention from the association. Jesuit High School and Jaynotes salute the entire football program for a great 2010 season. n Look back at the stories and photo galleries of the 2010 Jesuit football season on Jesuit’s web site: http://www.jesuitnola.org/athletics/ football.htm. Fall/Winter 2010 – 11 33