The Jesuit Rugby team enjoyed an incredible run to the State Championship match this year. It was a season full of great victories and one that earned them national notoriety. It was a seasoned enjoyed by their loyal fan base that appreciated their level of skill, intelligent play, and toughness.
Their opponent for the State Championship match on Thursday May 5th were the Bayou Hurricanes, despite the Jays jumping to an early lead, the Hurricanes stormed their way to a 28-10 win to capture the coveted crown. The Blue Jays only two losses this year came at the hands of the Hurricanes. As the match ended, the Blue Jay Rugby team knew it left plenty of opportunities and on the field and could have played better – they also knew they had made a respected, worthy and deserving opponent earn their victory.
The Jays received the opening kick and came out moving the ball effectively. They moved the ball deep into Cane territory and soon the Blue Jays found the try zone with a score by senior William Waguespack. Senior Scott Derbes’ conversion kick into a stiff wind was no good and the Jays led 5-0. Soon after, the Blue Jays would be back in scoring position after a long run by Sophomore Gabe Massey. A penalty by the Hurricanes would give the Jays an opportunity for a 3 point penalty kick, but once again, the wind was a factor and the Jays could not build their lead.
The Hurricanes began settling into the match and soon scored a try by Xavier Triplett. The conversion kick was no good and the score was even at 5 to 5. The Canes would again mount a drive and benefit from a penalty deep in Blue Jay territory. Bayou’s Hunter Breit would convert on the penalty kick to put the Canes up 8 to 5. Later, the Hurricanes took advantage of a Blue Jay turnover and scored a try off of a scrum as Brandon Sanders ran past the Jesuit defense with a good conversion kick the Hurricanes held a 15-5 lead.
The Blue Jays mounted two drives deep into Hurricane territory late in the first half, but they could not convert on potential moment changing scores.
The second half opened with both teams moving the ball. The Blue Jays were able to frequent drives deep into Hurricane territory, but just could not turn opportunity into points. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes were able to convert on two penalty kicks by Hunter Breit to extend their lead to 21-5. Later, the Hurricanes Josh Sazama broke through the Blue Jay defense to score a try and with a good conversion kick the Canes were now up 28-5.
The Blue Jays continued to fight valiantly and eventually would score a try by Junior Ian Fogarty to make the final score 28-10.
At the end of each rugby match, each team selects a Man of the Match on the opposing team. The teams gather in sportsmanship to present the winners a gift. For the Jays the Man of the Match was Junior Case Ellis and for the Hurricanes it was Brandon Sanders.
