The annual Boot Bowl rivalry game between Regis Jesuit and Denver East HS wasn't played in 2021, but it returned this weekend to help kick off the Rugby Colorado season.

The Boot Bowl began in 2006 with a trophy made from one of East Head Coach Bill Baer's old rugby boots. This year, in a competitive, back-and-forth match East HS took the challenge trophy 24-19. 

The match began with East pressuring inside the Regis 22 and eventually led to three points from the boot of fullback Cole Younasazi. Momentum shifted as Regis capitalized on East penalties and prop Jayden Franklin powered over for the first try, converted by scrumhalf Zach Wells. Powerful carries from the Regis loose forwards had them back inside the East 22 and wing Zach Zatz scored in the corner. The try was again converted by Wells and Regis led at halftime 14-3. 

East started the second half playing smarter territorial rugby. A turnover and strong run by lock Quaid Hunt set up center John Wilson for East's first try. Wilson went in under the posts and that made it easier for Younasazi to convert. East capitalized on a Regis penalty at the 5m line with Hunt tapping quickly and diving over to score and to take the lead. Younasazi converted the try from the touchline and it was 17-14. East would score a third try through hooker CJ Barahona and again Younasazi was successful from the touch line to make the score 24-14. 

Regis fought back and flanker Trevor Schweer intercepted a pass and sprinted 50 meters to put Regis on the attack. After a few phases, Alex Plank powered over for the third try for Regis. The conversion was charged down by East captain John Wilson at the final whistle and that's how it ended: 24-19.

For East, Hunt had a massive game at lock and Boehm was active and effective around the field at hooker. Handling the kicks, on attack, and kicking for points Younasazi patrolled fullback well. Down but certainly not out, Regis got big performances from Wells at scrumhalf, Schweer, and  Franklyn at prop.