Healthy Rangers Seeking Repeat in Expanded District 7-6A

Jesuit won a district title despite losing 14 starters to injury at some point during last season. 

Even with significant graduation losses, better health should have the Rangers in the hunt for a repeat.

After all, the new District 7-6A will feature Jesuit playing the same teams, with one notable exception — the addition of perennial Class 5A power and neighborhood rival Highland Park.

“Familiarity with the district is good,” Jesuit head coach Brandon Hickman said. “Adding Highland Park to the mix makes it more intriguing. That element adds a little fun.”

Charlie Schmidt should take over as the starting quarterback for the prolific Jesuit offense after playing a reserve role on last year’s 10-2 team that fell to Denton Guyer in the area round of the playoffs. He likely will split time early in the season with 6-foot-6 senior Will Greenwood.

“He got into some games last year and did a good job,” Hickman said of Schmidt, who’s also a lacrosse standout. “He has a very strong arm, but he’s more of a dual threat. That should open up our offense more.”

Two-way star Robert Fitzgerald is gone to Northwestern University. However, Jake Musso was among the team leaders in rushing and receiving last season. He’s back along with Cameron Martin, who missed the end of the 2021 campaign with a knee injury.

 On defense, tackle Jameson Kemp, linebacker Grant Peters, and safety Logan Thompson are key returnees for a unit that posted three shutouts during a nine-game midseason winning streak.