Jesuit of Sacramento moved to 2-0 in the NorCal Premier boys HS league after a tough 37-12 defeat of Mother Lode.

Mother Lode in blue, Jesuit in red. David Barpal photos.

Carlos Ramirez scored an early penalty for Jesuit to take the lead, but it took another 25 minutes before outside center George Niethammer broke through to score a well-taken try.  Mother Lode came storming back and a series of penalties followed by a yellow card put Jesuit on the back foot. That led to Mother Lode scoring under the posts, and with the conversion, Jesuit's halftime lead was just 10-7.

Jesuit scored just two minutes into the second half through fullback Jayme Thomas. But Mother Lode came right back with a long run and try. But that was the end of the scoring for Mother Lode. Ramirez alertly took a quick tap before the Mother Lode players could retreat ten meters, and went over. Ramirez kicked two more penalties in the next ten minutes, and then flanker Brandon Calk punished an overthrow from the Mother Lode lineout to score under the posts.

Scrumhalf Carlos Ramirez led the Marauders in scoring with three penalties, a try, and four conversions for 22 points on his own. Also standing out for Jesuit was center Conrad Hawkins, while Niethammer and flanker Garrett Kay were named players of the game.

“We will get no easy games in this league and today was just another reminder of that,” said Jesuit Head Coach John Shorey. “Mother Lode never quit, but I am proud of our team defense and our ability to make some adjustments at the half that paid off. We get a week to rest and get healthy before we push on in our league.”

Mother Lode drops to 1-1.