Grit and Focus Power Jesuit Defensive End

Being a high school athlete isn’t always easy. Juggling practice and games, schoolwork, family, friends and everything else takes focus; Jesuit High School senior defensive end David Bridges was more than up for the challenge this year.

Seniors Help Deliver Victory

Including David, Jesuit High School in Beaverton, Oregon had 37 seniors on the football team roster, each of whom was determined not to repeat last year’s 42-41 loss to Tigard High School in the Oregon School Activities Association Class 6A football championship quarterfinals. Training hard in the summer and during the season, on the field and in the weight room, helped the Jesuit Crusaders win the sixth state football championship in the school’s history.

Balancing School, Sports and Family

On top of three AP classes, varsity sports and making plenty of time for his family, David has worked hard to make sure everything in his life gets the attention it deserves. When asked how he juggles it all, he said, “I wouldn’t say I have a secret, but I try to manage my time as much as I can. I definitely don’t get the recommended amount of sleep every night. I guess my secret is that whatever I am doing, I give my full attention to it. If I’m at football, I’m not trying to think about my homework or my test tomorrow. If I’m doing homework, I’m not checking Instagram or watching TV.”

That ability to focus served David and the rest of his team well all season: They entered the championship game against third seed West Linn with an undefeated 14-0 record. Nevertheless, late in the fourth quarter they were trailing 14-13. But a 2-yard touchdown with 1:13 left put them over the top, 21-14.

Victory is always sweet, but doubly so when it’s hard earned. David and the Crusaders did their school proud.

Les Schwab Tire Centers is a proud sponsor of the Oregon School Activities Association.