Lakewood Ranch football visits Tampa Jesuit on Thursday to kick off regular season
Lakewood Ranch (0-0) at Tampa Jesuit (0-0)
When: 7 p.m.
The scoop: This is not a good way for Lakewood Ranch (3-7 in 2015) to get a new season off on the right foot against an opponent that clearly overmatches the Mustangs. A revamped Ranch defense will be tested by Jesuit’s Malik Davis, who rushed for 2,337 yards and scored 28 touchdowns last season, and veteran quarterback Daniel Boon, who threw three TD passes in last year’s meeting. Defensive back Rodney Higdon and linebacker Braden Gilby lead the Tigers defense. The Mustangs offense will be counting on the improvement of junior quarterback Justin Curtis, running back Jay Turner and the offensive line play of Sam Jackson. Jesuit (13-1 in 2015) won 39-6 last year. Expect something similar.
Prediction: Jesuit 42, Lakewood Ranch 14
Alan Dell
This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 5:42 PM with the headline "Lakewood Ranch football visits Tampa Jesuit on Thursday to kick off regular season."