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.

After a turnover on downs by Rio, and a lost fumble by Jesuit, the first quarter came to a close.

During the intermission between the first and second quarters, Jesuit held a field naming ceremony for the family of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane Barnes ’07. Chief Warrant Officer Barnes – and former Jesuit football player – died in a helicopter accident during a military exercise over the mediterranean sea last November. From here on, all Jesuit football players will play on Shane Barnes Field. 

After the ceremony, the second quarter started with Rio scoring their only touchdown of the game with a 16 yard run following a Jesuit fumble. The extra point was good, and the score was 14-7. 

Jesuit’s next drive ended in a 42 yard passing touchdown by wide receiver Rocco Luccetti ’26. Running back Chris Effiong ’25 also contributed heavily to the drive with a long run. Dragon stayed consistent and made yet another kick to make the score 21-7. 

Jesuit’s next drive ended with a monstrous 60-yard touchdown by Chris, and a fourth made PAT by Dragon, to make the score 28-7. 

The rest of the game was characterized solely by Jesuit rushing touchdowns. Victor Cubero ’25, Miles Hubbard ’26, and Maverick Nagel ’26 each scored one, and Alan got his second of the day. Jesuit made every PAT attempt. 

Top performers for the Marauder’s included Chris, with 141 total yards and a touchdown, Alan with 50 total yards and two touchdowns, and Jack, who had 38 rushing yards, one touchdown, a fumble recovery, along with an astounding 9 tackles. 

With a win in the first game under permanent lights, the Jesuit fans showed up loud and proud. Tight end Tommy Miller ’25 recognizes the significance of the occasion. 

“Playing at night rather than the day is a huge difference,” Tommy said. “Under the lights, there is a much bigger fan outcome, which creates that authentic Friday night lights feel. It is awesome having the students, alumni, and parents supporting us in these big games. Not to mention, it is much easier for the players to play in the cooler evening temperatures rather than during the day.”

With this dominant performance over Rio Americano, Jesuit has set themselves up for a season full of high caliber performances accompanied by great fan show outs. While the team will always have things to work on, the team came together to get an exciting and well-deserved win under the lights.