Some big games and big plays by high school rugby players around the country. Here's a look at this week's Gamebreakers.

 

Zach Irwin

Rocky Mountain logged a nice win over Mountain View in their opening league game in Idaho, and Zach Irwin was their defensive leader. The sophomore fullback made a string of key tackles and was the player of the game among the Rocky Mountain backs.

 

JT Perez

It's never easy to change position, but especially when you shift from something like lock forward to flyhalf. Perez did just that for Pelham and was instrumental in his team's 29-21 win over Fairfield with his organization of the backline and his kicking out of hand.

 

 

Jonas Petrakopoulos

The Royal Irish prop/flanker has been active in rugby since middle school, going to the Eagle Impact Rugby Academy sessions since before high school and plays for the top-ranked Royal Irish program. He has been selected to play for the Netherlands U18 team. Petrakopoulos is eligible for the Netherlands and the USA, but doesn't have to choose a country until senior level.

 

Josh Pane The St. Thomas No. 8 had a huge day carrying the ball in the St. Thomas win over Kingwood.

Chris Bagby

Georgia’s Phoenix club won a close one and lot a close one over the weekend, and Bagby was in the thick of it. The center was one of the go-to Phoenix players.

 

Lia Faletogo-Monis

The Rainier Highlanders No. 8 scored the game-winning try with no time left in a 44-38 win over Chuckanut in Rugby Washington action.

 

Justin Lego Danville beat Jesuit in Northern California, and Lego (pictured, Dan Bandoni photo) had a hand, and foot, in that victory, kicking a 60-meter penalty goal at one point, and then winning the game with a 45-meter effort from a tough angle. Lego’s kicking ability has been a crucial part of Danville’s success this year.

 

Michael Terpel

The San Diego Mustangs center was named player of the game in his team’s match with Eastside in the Seattle area, and then two days later he got best back against Prince of Wales. His defensive work has been excellent.

 

Freddy Purdy

Playing for the Trojans, Purdy scored 17 of his team’s 22 points in a 22-17 win over Phoenix in Georgia HS league play.

 

Obie Cruz

The Tampa Krewe center led the offensive charge in Tampa’s win over Okapi.

 

Aaron Morad and Chase McKinnis

The Riviera Beach Maritime Academy duo regular lead the team in tackles and were the defensive leaders once more in RBMA’s win over Jupiter in Florida.

 

Jeff Ferrigno

The Georgetown Prep prop forward scored three tries Tuesday in a defeat of Texas-based St. Thomas, which is touring the East Coast this week. Doing his job in tight, Ferrigno also proved to be tough to stop in the open field.