Top-ranked single-school boys team Gonzaga hosted two well-regarded programs this weekend as the Cumberland Valley Eagles and Doylestown, both out of Pennsylvania, came to town.

Gonzaga had to deal with these visitors despite missing a chunk of their starting lineup, with their entire starting back row, an three starting backs, and a prop absent due to playing for select teams in Las Vegas or (in the case of one) being gone Saturday on a college football visit. Three other reserves were also in Las Vegas. 

“It was a good weekend to test our depth and give playing time to more players,” said Gonzaga Coach Peter Baggetta.

Cumberland Valley challenged Gonzaga, especially in open play. But set piece let them down, as Gonzaga stole more than half of the CV lineouts, and also took three of nine scrum put-ins. In fact, the momentum of the game turned somewhat on a wheeled scrum. With the score 12-6 for Gonzaga heading into halftime, Gonzaga stole a scrum and scored to make it 19-6 at the break. Physical defense from Gonzaga forced mistakes and the score ended 31-11.

“The good thing is that we will learn much from this loss and we should consider adopting some of their offensive strategies,” said CV Coach Jay Abom. “We were more slow and methodical but that allowed them to reset their defense. A quicker ball, off-loads in contact and some dummy runners could help diversify our offense.”

Chad Morris scored CV’s only try.

In the JV game, Gonzaga ran out to a 26-0 lead but CV came back to make it 26-17.

“The players did a good job stepping up to the challenge especially in the second half once they adjusted to the referee,” said Baggetta. “In the second half we did a better job of not giving away penalties and did not allow CV to score until the end of the game. Our tight five did a very good job at the set piece. We have things we need to work on but very pleased with how the players responded and played without so many of the team leaders away.”

On Sunday, Gonzaga shut out Doylestown 45-0. Gonzaga got one player back and the size of the Gonzaga pack made for difficulties for Doylestown. 

“Our guys were really switched on to start the game and excited to play,” said Baggetta. 

With the subs coming on, Doylestown made it a much closer second half, but still could score.