In perhaps the most dramatic and most closely-watched clash of the weekend, despite it being a non-conference game, Notre Dame College edged Davenport University 26-24.

The game was a back-and-forth affair in a game of contrasting styles. Davenport used a methodical, phase play approach, while NDC looked to be patient, play smart defense, and make big-play opportunities count.

Davenport in red, NDC in blue. Steven Zomberg photos.

Zach Forro, back from military duty, provided some line-breaking runs for Notre Dame, and he opened the scoring with a try at 15 minutes, which Logan Weinstock converted. Davenport, however, did a superb job of working the breakdown and going from phase to phase. Their forwards put in a full day’s work and in fact it was a forward, prop Dan Boatright, who went over for the Panthers’ first try. Flyhalf Noah Zomberg, who had an excellent game kicking for goal, converted, and he also converted scrumhalf Brady Gent’s try, which made it 14-7. 

NDC was able to tie it up through Forro’s second try, and Weinstock’s second conversion, before Zomberg added a penalty for Davenport. 

A nifty, weaving, sidestepping run from flyhalf Corey Graham put Notre Dame College ahead 21-17, but late in the second half Davenport retook the lead when Gent went over for his second. 

Down 24-21, Notre Dame College tried to pin Davenport deep in their end. Davenport got a scrum in their 22, but NDC stole the put-in, and freshman No. 8 Andrew Guerra picked up the ball and surged over for the game-winner.

“It could have gone either way,” said Davenport Head Coach Harry King. “We made some errors at key moments, and that cost us.”

The return of Forro was a big boost for Notre Dame, and the Falcons’ defense was a big part of their victory.

“They scored 24 points, but we made them work for everything,” said NDC Head Coach Jason Fox. “I was really proud of the defensive effort.”

Also helping the Notre Dame cause was their depth. King said he is working on developing the team’s depth and bringing the younger players online. Meanwhile, Notre Dame was able to put in Guerra, and prop Dante Lopresti in late and they nailed down the scrum in impressive fashion.

“In the first half, they dominated us,” said Fox. “But we played better in the second half, especially in the breakdown.”

The loss was tough to take for Davenport, but King said it was a potentially useful “punch in the mouth” would be good for hi team. 

“We are working to create depth, and we were really good at playing phase play. We just made a couple of errors. Take out those errors and maybe it’s a different story. I can’t wait to play them again, they are a very good team and a good opponent for us to play.”

Davenport is in the DIA Mid-South and will continue to build toward that conference season with games against Lindenwood-Belleville, Bowling Green, Arkansas State, and the University of Notre Dame, all teams ranked by Goff Rugby Report. Notre Dame College is in an independent DIAA season, and has so far beaten Wheeling Jesuit, St. Bonaventure, Navy, and, now, Davenport.

Notre Dame College 26

Tries: Forro 2, Graham, Guerra

Convs: Weinstock 3

Davenport 24

Tries: Boatright, Gent 2

Convs: Zomberg 3

Pens: Zomberg