Chargers Charged Up at Border Battle

It was a good weekend for the Wisconsin-based Chargers team, as they swept their four Border Battle games with Minnesota teams Eagan, Minnetonka, Edina, and Hopkins.

Chargers Head Coach Neil Mattek was especially gratified at how some newer players showed in place of some more experienced athletes.

"With a couple of forwards out due to spring break and prior commitments, we were able to start a couple of first year-guys," said Mattek. "We are blessed to be getting such great kids and great athletes. With 47 HS boys CIPP'd, training sessions have been ultra competitive. Established starters have been pushed very hard by some of our new athletes for starting spots. To the veterans' credit, they've responded positively and it's made for a very fun preseason."

Among the newer players who made an impact was wing CJ Hill, who scored seven tries over the weekend. Hill had barely joined the team when he was playing in the Lindenwood Tournament against national powers such as Penn and St. Edward. Right after that he was in the Tulsa Tournament against three more top-ranked programs.

"It wasn't an ideal start for CJ, but he's very athletic and very smart; he has worked hard in training and has improved in every session," said Mattek. "I knew if we could keep him having fun, he'd eventually find success. This entire team enjoyed the challenge of facing the top teams in the country this spring. The rest of the backs worked hard to get him into space with smart passes and when there was no space to be had, CJ made his own."

In addition, Evann Belvin got some time at flanker after subbing in as a prop and lock this year. A big, physical tackler, Belvin showed ability to cover territory and even produced a 60-meter breakaway try during which he Lomu'd a couple of would-be tacklers. Hooker Sam Kohler isn't a new player, and in fact has been a Charger since the program began in 2015, and he certainly had a strong weekend.

"Sam is about as intense as they come yet is able to keep the boys loose," said Mattek. "He simply has fun playing rugby."

The Chargers were the only team to go undefeated on the weekend, and in fact they were the only team to avoid losing twice. It was a very even event for the rest of the field, but the Chargers clearly seemed to be the class of the competition.

See video of their win over Edina here: https://youtu.be/6Ty5-L8Kdi8

The Wisconsin league kicks off now, with Chargers against Pulaski.