Higher-seeded teams won all eight games in the D1A playoffs Round of 16, and while some of those games were quite close, it was, in the end, a day for the game hosts.
#1 is #1
Cal fully did as expected. Despite running out a somewhat changed side from tjeir usual lineup, the Bears fielded a talented group that executed well.
Several of the players who start regularly for the Bears ended up on the scoresheet, including Nate Comiskey (three tries), Emmett Cook (three tries), Max Threlkeld (one try), and Michal de Beer (one try).
Cormac Saint, who battles for 1st-side time at scrumhalf with Solomon Williams, scored 23 points.
"We have guys who haven't had a lot of experience in big games that had to step up and fill some shoes," said hooker Cade Crist said. "I think they did a really good job, and I'm proud of them."
"It wasn't perfect, but I'm proud of our effort," added Threlkeld. "We played a full 80 minutes and got the job done."
BYU Tested
The Cougars defeated Cal Poly 33-19. But it was probably closer than that. The Cougars almost scored in the opening moments but the Mustangs defense was hard-hitting and active.
In the end it wasn't until midway through the first half that anyone scored—BYU went wide when close to the line and flanker Will Pugmire charged over. Fullback Strider Fountaine scored after a break and speculative offload from wing Carson Grundy to make it 12-0,
One more try made it 17-0. But Cal Poly kept coming and scored first in the second half. They continued to push, but couldn't quite get there.
