Dallas Jesuit won the Texas/Louisiana Varsity Cup final Saturday night, defeating Strake Jesuit 27-14 to take the title and end their season undefeated.
The game was, at one point, 27-0, but two late Strake tries made it a little closer. In some sense, it was only right, as the game always seemed closer than 27-0.
The Rangers scored early with a massive run from outside center Thomas Villalba, who took a nice flat pass to gallop 65 meters to paydirt. No. 8 Dylan Wachsman slotted the difficult conversion for a 7-0 lead.
Dallas was over not long after, but that try was eventually called back for a knock-on. Soon after that center Chase Brown charged over, only to be held up. It was a frustrating period for Dallas Jesuit, but Strake had their frustrations, too, as they had some good territory but couldn't any points.
As halftime neared Strake gave up a scrum well inside their half after a clearance kick rolled dead. From there Dallas Jesuit got a penalty, and Wachsman put it over for a 10-0 at the break.
About 11 minutes into the second half, Strake was hanging tough but hadn't seen the chance to score and close the gap. Dallas was the next to score, with a long pass from fullback Mitch Sullivan freeing Villalba to score in the corner. That made it a three-score game at 15-0.
04.27.2024HS Boys
As the game worse on Strake got a bit impatient and an ill-advised kick landed in Dallas hands and wing Luke Lamont sped in to score. The wing was injured on the play, unfortunately, but was able to leave the field under his own power.
The Rangers kept the pressure going and a long series of phases put Matthew Toker over—only for him to be held up. Dallas stayed on the front foot and finally put Sullivan over. Wachsman slotted the kick and it was 27-0.
With time winding down, Strake had a break down the sideline, and eventually were awarded a penalty try for a high tackle as the try was about to be scored.
Strake stormed back for another on a tap penalty play, but it all came too late. Dallas Jesuit 27 Strake Jesuit 14.
Dallas Jesuit capped off their spring rugby season 11-0 and only three times did they allow more than one try in a game—once to Lake Travis, and twice to Strake Jesuit. Their record included four shutouts.
