Carmichael, Calif. – Jesuit High School of Sacramento kicked off the new Northern California Premier season with a win over a tough, hard-hitting Archbishop Riordan side this past weekend. 

Led by captains Christian Dyer, a High School All-American who will be attending Cal next year, and Bailey Abercrombie, who will be attending West Point next year, the Jesuit Marauders crossed the tryline eight times with backs and forwards providing great support across the field. Riordan never quit and scored at the death to make the final score 56-5. 

Preseason

Over 50 Jesuit High School Varsity rugby players kicked off the 2016 season with fitness testing and a three-day mini-camp under the direction of Nick Leah from the Brumbies in Canberra, Australia.

The players were put through their paces with early fitness testing, a classroom session followed by an on field session that focused on the Jesuit game plan and key systems. 

Brumbies Academy Director Nick Leah led the team in a series of drills that focused on the basics – the tackle, team defensive system and catch-pass. In addition the players were put under pressure with a tough game-based fitness test that will help set the standard for the season ahead.

“We have gone back to basics this year,” said Head Coach John Shorey, in his 18th season. “Our goal is to play fun, exciting rugby that emphasizes core skills and fitness.”

Seniors Christian Dyer, Sam Collins, Luke Thayer, Bailey Abercrombie, James Eason and Willie Nelson will be providing leadership in several of the key positions, but with a strong group of Juniors led by Connor Bellinger, Jayme Thomas and George Niedhammer, who both saw action in key NIT games as Sophomores, and Conrad Hawkins who along with Bellinger spent a month training in New Zealand. 

“We have asked the players to be more than just rugby players, we are asking them to be students of the game – study film, have an understanding of the pattern and what is expected of all 15 players on the field,” Shorey continued. “Once again we will have a tough schedule with the formation of a new Northern California Premier league and visits from teams across the United States and Australia and New Zealand with our sights set on peaking in May at the Nationals.”

New Additions

Jesuit alum Louis Stanfill has joined the coaching staff this season. A 56-timed capped player for the US Eagles, Louis will bring a wealth of knowledge while teaching the players what it means to be “men for others” and following the principles of Jesuit High School.

(Hear more of what Lou Stanfill has to say about his career and Jesuit in this RuggaMatrix America podcast.)

Next Game

Jesuit will host Granite Bay on Saturday, February 20 in another tough Northern California Varsity Premier league match.  The Junior Varsity game starts at noon with the Varsity set to kick off at 1:30 pm.  Granite Bay is one of the top club teams in the nation, finishing second last year in the Club NIT Final.