Beaverton managed to hold off Eastside for the second time in two weeks to win the Oregon state boys HS club championship Saturday.

Beaverton beat Eastside 26-22 on May 1 to ensure an undefeated league season, and then Saturday they held off their rivals 28-25 to win the state title in what Beaverton Coach Nathan Murray called "an epic battle."

Eastside knew they were just a few points shy of Beaverton two weeks ago, and so entered the game with plenty of confidence.

"We prepared well for them in the week leading up to the championship game," said Murray. "We knew it was going to be the toughest game these kids would play this season, but we went into the game with good confidence."

Beaverton ran out to a 21-0 lead in the first half with tries from TJ Nomani, Lopeti Aisea, and Opeti Iongi, and with Joseph McRae converting all three.

But Eastside made some adjustments and tested Beaverton with their forwards around the fringes of the breakdown. They scored three tries before halftime, but, as had happened two weeks ago, their lack of dependable goalkicking was an issue and Beaverton led 21-15.

The game began to tighten up in the second half. Beaverton started the stronger again, with McRae breaking through and going in under the posts. He converted forthe 28-15 lead.

Eastside kept up the attacks, and while Beaverton played some tough, physical defense, they could hold out forever, and gave up two tries. Neither was converted, and Beaverton held on 28-25.

"I honestly didn't know how mentally tough these kids were," said Murray, "and they showed us they could get the job done no matter what adversity they faced. I'm so proud of these young men and what they've accomplished this year through their hard work and perseverance. This truly was a team effort and I know that's one of the main reasons why we were successful."

Along with the four try-scorers, captain Pepe Tanuvasa and Kincaid Crile were outstanding for Beaverton, while the back row of Garrett Sackley, Leki Kalamafoni, and Daniel Buturuga, all sophomores, fronted up nicely, and freshman Jacob McRae was a revelation.