Comeback for Berks as they Overhaul Aspetuck
Comeback for Berks as they Overhaul Aspetuck
Berks County Rugby secured a thrilling comeback victory over Aspetuck to also win a Boys HS National Championship play-in Saturday in an intense match at Kutztown University's Andre Reed Stadium.
The game opened with an early try from Berks' powerhouse No. 8 Josiah Boyer, capitalizing on a turnover to take a 5-0 lead. Aspetuck responded with a converted try to go ahead 7-5, but Boyer struck again, showcasing his size and power to regain the lead for Berks.
However, Aspetuck quickly answered with another converted try, carrying a 14-10 advantage into halftime.
Aspetuck extended their lead early in the second half with yet another converted try, making it 21-10. The next 15 minutes saw both sides locked in a defensive battle until Berks’ first-year prop, Jerry McArdle, powered through for a stunning 40-meter try, narrowing the deficit to 21-15.
Berks kept up the pressure off the ensuing kickoff, maintaining possession and launching a deep kick into Aspetuck territory. The Aspetuck runner fielded the ball but was immediately tackled into touch near the 22-meter line, giving Berks a key lineout. Aspetuck managed to steal the throw, but the ball was tipped out of bounds, awarding Berks a second opportunity. This time, Berks executed the lineout cleanly, getting the ball to flyhalf Geno Deren, who fed Boyer in a back-row pod. Boyer bulldozed through multiple defenders—suffering a gash that required eight stitches—but managed to score his third try of the match bringing the score to 21-20 in Aspetuck’s favor.
With the outcome hanging in the balance, fullback Kaiden Boyer stepped up to convert the try, giving Berks a 22-21 lead. After the restart, Berks controlled possession and kicked the ball out to seal the dramatic victory.
Aspetuck flyhalf Alex Drury was a standout, orchestrating the attack with slick passing and dangerous runs. For Berks, McArdle, in only his second game, showed an impressive work rate, leading Berks in tackles and offensive carries. However, the clear Man of the Match was Josiah Boyer, whose hat-trick and control of the point of contact led Berks to the comeback win.
“I’m incredibly proud of the boys for their fight and resilience today," said Berks Head Coach Greg Stelluti. "After a strong start, we found ourselves down 11 with 15 minutes to go, but the team showed heart, battling back with two late tries and a clutch conversion to secure the win. This young group took two giant steps forward from two weeks ago, and our goal remains the same—keep improving every week.”
