The Lakeshore Titans are going to be part of history tonight, playing in the school’s first ever varsity football game as they host the Jesuit Blue Jays.

“We’re very excited,” Titans’ coach Larry Route said. “The kids are very excited. We’ve got a pep rally in the school gym (today). I’m anxious to see how they’re going to handle playing under the lights Friday night.”

Last year, Lakeshore played a junior varsity schedule and finished 9-1. They topped Pope John Paul II last week 13-0 in the opening game of the Newman Jamboree.

CYRIL CRUTCHFIELD

Lakeshore cannot qualify for the playoffs this year, but their opponents can get power points by playing them.

Jesuit enters 2010 after making the regional round of the playoffs and suffering a 14-7 loss against Archbishop Rummel, who was the state runner-up.

Last week, they defeated Bonnabel 24-7 in the Kiwanis Jamboree at East Jefferson.

Blue Jays’ coach Wayde Keiser, who enters his fourth season, said Lakeshore’s skill is really good.

“The three guys No. 18 (Jared Scott), 5 (Al Damion Riles) and 25 (Nick Williams), they run well and are very athletic,” Keiser said. “They do a good job in their spread formations, which causes problems for your defense.”

Offensively, Lakeshore is a true spread team that doesn’t use a tight end.

Route said Michael Ball, who is back from a broken collarbone, along with Al Damion Riles would both see time at quarterback. The running backs are Riles, Nick Williams, Jared Scott and J.P. Pussiguer, who will see time at running back when Riles calls signals.

In last week’s jamboree, Riles ran for 80 yards. Williams scored a touchdown and picked up a huge first down on fourth-and-four and his club ahead 6-0. Scott scored a game-clinching touchdown.

Defensively, the Titans run the 4-4.

Route said the unit has to contain the run.

“We have to stop them from lining up and running the ball,” Route said. “Bonnabel scored the first play they had the ball and then Jesuit just pounded the ball.”

The unit got an interception each from Cyril Crutchfield and James Harkin.

“Cyril had a nice interception where the kid ran an out route. Cyril made a nice break on the ball,” Route said.

For Jesuit, the Blue Jays run a multiple offense built around a tailback.

Keiser said he’s not sure who will be the quarterback tonight. It’ll either be sophomore Tanner Lee, senior Connor McMahon or juniors Chris Prieur or Cameron Dobbins. Keiser said he wouldn’t know until tonight. Lee played last week and completed 7-of-11 for 105 yards.

The running back is Austin Duncan, who finished with seven carries for 41 yards and three scores.

Defensively, Jesuit is a 4-3 club. Junior linebacker Deion Jones tallied four tackles, three assists and a pass defensed. Senior back Bobby Dunn made four stops and intercepted a pass.