The Jesuit Marauders finished with a mythical national title in the MaxPreps Computer Rankings and a No. 2 finish in the NSCAA rankings. Expect more winning this year.
Photo by Ralph Thompson
You don't talk about high school boys soccer success in northern California without talking about Paul Rose and
Jesuit (Carmichael, Calif.). When it comes to national prowess, you can't really discuss that without Jesuit included, either.
The Sacramento-area juggernaut has been a fixture on the national scene for a very long time and behind the legendary Rose will once again be a legitimate national title Early Contender presented by Dick's Sporting Goods and adidas.
After winning a mythical national title in the MaxPreps Computer Rankings for the fall season and earning a No. 2 finish in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll, the Marauders are back with three Division I-bound players and depth that Rose thinks can lead to a repeat performance.
Kannon Kuhn
Photo by Ralph Thompson
But it won't be a matter of steamrolling everyone in their path. The Marauders take on some of the nation's best and also play in one of the best soccer areas in the Golden State. Last season they beat teams from Oregon, Missouri and New Jersey before steamrolling to a Sac-Joaquin Section title behind a 26-1 scoring margin in four playoff contests.
See all the 2013 Fall Soccer Early Contenders They will head to the Gateway Classic in St. Louis this season and will look to represent the area.
"Given that three high schools in Sacramento have consistently been
nationally ranked and the success of those schools when they travel tells
me that our state is as good or better than any other state," Rose said.
The depth will be a big plus this season. Six returning starters always bodes well, but there are also other players who received significant playing time last season. The Marauders will be anything but inexperienced, and they've got tradition that encourages players to rise to the occasion year after year.
"Jesuit has built a tradition of excellence not only in northern
California but nationally. We have traveled and successfully beat other
nationally ranked teams from Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, Illinois,
Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Missouri and New Jersey to name a few," Rose said.
See the special Jesuit photo galleryLocal look: "Jesuit has grown from a regional power, to a state power to a national power under the direction of the single-most influential person in the program: coach Paul Rose. The state's winningest coach demands - and receives - maximum effort. His players revere him, sometimes fear him and certainly point to him as the foundation for their success. Jesuit annually schedules heavyweight programs, shies away from no one, and will maintain the momentum of dominance for years, especially with coach Rose in place, and he has no visions of stepping down soon. He's having too much fun."
- Joe Davidon, Sacramento Bee (@SacBee_JoeD)
