Upsets continue around the country in Boys HS rugby, with Southern California no exception.

The Coastal Dragons put the San Diego Mustangs to the sword 34-22 this weekend.

For the Dragons, the key was superiority in the backline. Coach Ed Peterson said that the plan was to play rugby in the opposition half, and make their forwards work especially hard to get back into scoring position.

Mustangs No. 8 Brandon Cole was at the center of their attack and was especially effective running the ball. But in the centers, #13 Braydon Krause was brilliant and scored four tries. 

“What helped us was the lineout. We were able to kick to the corner and we stole a lot of those lineouts, and that game us scoring opportunities,” said Petersen. “We knew that in order to compete we needed to be very tactical and smart.”

Justin Petersen at flyhalf was especially accurate with his kicking from hand, while Blake Richards-Smith was trouble in the lineout, winning plenty of the Coastal throws, and stealing a few Mustangs throws, as well. Sean Devins also had a standout game for the Dragons, who were without HS All American Sean Lumkong.

The entire plan worked brilliantly, putting the Dragons out ahead 34-10 before two late tries made it closer for the San Diego team.

Blake Richards-Smith goes up for the lineout. Kevin Wilson photo.