The Johnson Jaguars are not only looking to repeat as District 27-6A champions. This year, they would like to go much further in the playoffs.
The Jaguars went undefeated, 6 and 0, last season in district, but only made it as far as the Division II bi-district finals, with an overall record of 8-3.
“If you have heart, you will go a long way, “ said Jacob Desmarais, senior defensive back. “I just believe that if we have the mindset, just go out there and give it our all, no matter how the other team is. I believe we can achieve great things.”
The Jaguars will have their chance this season. Head coach Ron Rittimann welcomes back nine starters, six on offense and three on defense, led by quarterback Mike Chandler. who threw over 1,400 yards for 18 touchdowns and added another almost 800 yards on the ground and an additional six touchdowns rushing.
On the defensive side of the ball, Desmarais is coming off a season with 27 tackles and one interception. They will get a big test early when they face the Brandeis Broncos in their season opener on Aug. 31 at 7:30 pm at Farris Stadium.
“I’m looking forward to the competition. We have a lot of good teams on the schedule," said Tres Cavazos, a senior offensive lineman for the Jaguars. “I’m just excited to play and get out there with guys and show them what Johnson football is all about.”
The season opener is also known as the Peanut Butter Bowl. That’s because both the Johnson Jaguars and Brandeis Broncos are asking for fans to bring one jar of peanut butter to the game to help SnackPak4Kids, a group in San Antonio that feeds hungry children.