Eagan and Minnetonka High schools kicked off the Minnesota high school rugby season in a big way last wek, with Eagan coming away with a 66-22 victory.

Eagan, kicked the game off with a highly aggressive playing that stuck as the theme of Eagan's play for the rest of the night. After a late start, Eagan took an early lead and ended the first half 41 - 10. 

Strong play from Eagan's No.8 Emmanuel Albert, scrumhalf Andrew Rudd, and back Matt Mertens, among others led the team to an impressive first league game of the season. 

Minnetonka played tough defense, with flyhalf 10 Beau Bakken and the forward pack leading the charge in Minnetonka's defensive stands. Minnetonka's line speed had them meeting Eagan at pace near the gain line, offering great stopping power. But Eagan's strong pack of runners would swarm and overwhelm the defense

While both sides moved the ball well, Eagan dominated most other aspects of the game.  All things set aside Eagan's overseas tour clearly has made an impact on their game play.  

Strong scrummages, good lineout takes, and excellent kick chase all led to a the victory as well as a start of the season. 

The score of the second sides match for both teams was a bit closer, Ending again with Eagan on top with the score of 30-29. 

Elsewhere in Minnesota, Edina, STMA, and Mounds View came out on top. 

Edina (1) 85 - 0 South River
STMA 60 - 0 Edina (2)
Mounds View 20 - 0 Rochester 

This coming Friday we have a set of games against

STMA vs Minnetonka
Eagan vs South River
Rochester vs Edina
Hopkins vs Eagan 

North Shore plays Mounds View on Saturday.

-- Andrew Buntrock