Bixby Toughs it Out to Win Mid-South Tournament
Bixby Toughs it Out to Win Mid-South Tournament
Bixby of Oklahoma won the Mid-South tournament hosted at Southern Nazarene University over the weekend.
It was a tournament of teams from Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Missouri. For Bixby, this was an excellent chance to give many players varsity experience.
Most weekend Bixby Head Coach Chris Smith fields a Varsity and JV team. By lumping everyone together this time he was able to avoid over-working players, and also he was able to provide Varsity opportunities for more players.
With the program returning only two starters from last year, and none in the forwards, they have had to work hard to get the players up to speed.
“It made it a challenging start to the year,” said Smith. “But they are improving dramatically every time out. We have a very talented backline with some solid experience, for sure, leads the way.”
Senior flyhalf JD Martin, who was also a standout for the Rebel Rugby Academy, and sophomore scrumhalf Rhys Novosad have run the attack smartly. Senior center Justin Kirk, said Smith, “is as strong and hard-nosed as it gets.”
He partners nicely with senior Luke Kohnstamm in the midfield, and he is a speedy outside center who played strong defense.
Tough Games Throughout
Through the weekend Bixby defeated Wichita 24-12 and Houston CYA 41-10 on the first day. Meanwhile, Celina out of Texas edged F5 out of Oklahoma 5-0, and ran by United of Kansas City 49-7. Celina’s defense was especially notable and would come into play on Day Two.
On the Sunday, Bixby defeated their Oklahoman rivals F5 19-7, while Celina pitched another shutout, beating Wichita 12-0.
That set up the final.
Bixby had to work very hard to get their tries. With Novosad injured in the semi and out for the final, utility back Elias Reynaga had to step up, which he did.
“Very gritty competition all weekend,” said Smith. “Celina is a young team that runs hard, they found gaps and kept us scrambling, and really tested our defensive shape the entire match.”
The teams ended up deadlocked 17-17 at full time—Bixby played the second half with the wind and Martin was able to use his boot to pin Celina back, and also kick a late penalty to tie the game. There was time for OT, however, and Bixby had the wind once more. Martin’s ability to give his side good field position was key. And in overtime, wing Yetxiel Perez-Gilbes found space—“he does not need much,” said Smith—and raced in to score. Martin converted to win the final for Bixby 24-17.
Perez-Gilbes ended the weekend with seven of Bixby’s 15 tries.
“Proud to see them battle,” said Smith. “We've had a couple close games already this season in which they've been down and battled back. Love to see those tests early on in the season to see how they are going to react.“
