Endicott Takes 3rd in Men's Small College Championship
Endicott Takes 3rd in Men's Small College Championship
Endicott defeated Catholic University 33-19 to take 3rd in the NCR Small College playoffs, running out to a commanding 28-0 lead and holding on from there.
It was a wet day in Houston after the early morning rainstorms, and kickoff was delayed slightly due to lightning that, mercifully left and was not to return all day.
Still it was slow going on the muddy field. Endicott’s first attacks were cut off by little mistakes. Finally, though, a counter on a kick led to a penalty and lock Bradley DiGiacomo tapped quickly and thundered ahead for 20 meters to score. Wing Graham Lynch converted.
With center Ryan Cafferky making some ground with ball in hand Endicott started to exert some control. They held off Catholic at the goalie and soon thereafter lock Jack Leahy picked up a loose ball and thundered on for a long-range effort that ended under the posts. Lynch converted and the teams entered halftime at 14-0.
Tries from scrumhalf Joe Matteo and Lynch, converted by the wing, made it 28-0 midway through the second half. Catholic finally got on the board through wing Sean Ford, and Ford would score again later in the game. Catholic also got a penalty try, while Endicott added to their total with a try by center Keyshawn Jackson.
Overall it was a strong effort from both teams, with Endicott determined to take home a win.
For Catholic, the injuries caught up with them and they, for example, started prop Sebastien Musalem at center instead of the front row. The coaches had to dig deep into their depth chart for some positions, and the group played well, but it was a learning experience for some.
