Crossover NorCal-SoCal HS Games Set for This Weekend
Crossover NorCal-SoCal HS Games Set for This Weekend
Northern and Southern California clash this weekend )most likely) with Sacramento Jesuit going south for two matches.
These games are currently still expected to go on despite the wildfires in Southern California, but, of course, things could change.
The Marauders are looking for some difficult warmup matches before their Northern California season gets going. They will take on two SCIRF teams in Mira Costa (on Friday) and Cathedral Catholic (on Saturday).
Jesuit were National HS Championship runners-up in 2023, but opted out of the championship tournament in 2024 because they were very young and inexperienced. Instead they attended the SANIX Youth Tournament in Japan, taking 14th (which means they won a game) and getting some intense lessons about speed of play and reading the game.
It was all useful stuff, and that young Jesuit team is a little older and a little more seasoned as a result.
Head Coach Andrew Acosta says he never really knows what he has at this stage of the season, especially with some players still playing winter sports. But he has some players to lean on.
"We have a good core group back that traveled to Japan so I think we have the pieces in place," Acosta told GRR. "We are not senior-heavy, but the good news is that we have a large number of freshman and sophomores who have rugby experience."
The front row has a lot to recommend it, with seniors Tristan McLoughlin (prop) and Josh Baleiwelagi (hooker) along with underclassmen Duncan Broughton and Cam Montgomery, providing a strong platform.
The backline has talent, with four-year varsity player Jack Patock at flyhalf having the likes of Barrett Saich (center) and Jack Hartman (fullback) to work with.
So, yes, the pieces are falling into place.
For their part, both Mira Costa and Cathedral Catholic have started their season on a winning note. The key for Cathedral and Mira Costa is to find more challenging games. Cathedral will play Torrey Pines in a couple of weeks.
TP plays in the SoCal Youth Rugby school competition, so that's a crossover match of sorts, as well.
Mira Costa is coming off a win over Villa Park at the end of 2024 led by center Pablo Pasqual, who is a powerful runner and talented finisher and goalkicker. Flyhalf Sigi Cortes is also a player to watch.
