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11.18.2025HS Boys
Father Ryan celebrates their 2025 Tennessee HS 7s championship.
Father Ryan celebrates their 2025 Tennessee HS 7s championship.

The Father Ryan High School Fighting Irish capped off their 2025 rugby season with one of the most memorable runs in recent Tennessee high school rugby history. 

Coming into the year, the program faced heavy skepticism after graduating 19 seniors from last season’s roster. Observers questioned whether the Irish could continue to be competitive with so much turnover, but the father Ryan squad persevered with a healthy dose of self belief and some strong team leadership.

Led by captains Riley McClain and Andrew “Ziggy” Zagorski, Father Ryan found its rhythm at just the right time. The Irish opened the state tournament with a strong win over 901 Rugby out of Memphis, then followed it up with another impressive performance against a second Memphis-based side, PCA.

In the semifinals, Father Ryan took down Knoxville Youth Rugby in a gritty, physical battle that showcased the team’s growing chemistry and how relentlessly they defend.

 

The state championship final against Raptors Rugby was a memorable match. The two sides went blow-for-blow in a bruising, high-energy contest that came down to the final moments. 

Trailing late, Father Ryan pulled out a clutch play. With time up, the Irish held possession but were backed up against their tryline. Tournament MVP Chas Tulloss found space on the outside and broke free for a stunning, length-of-the-field try. 

That tied it up 12-12, and the successful conversion sealed a 14–12 victory, capping off one of the most dramatic finishes in program history.

Tulloss was unstoppable all weekend, scoring tries and leading by example with his speed, vision, and composure under pressure. Alongside McClain, Zagorski, and the rest of the roster, his performance helped prove that Father Ryan Rugby isn’t just maintaining its legacy — it’s elevating it. Much of that success can be credited to coaches Will Shaw, Dylan Craven, Joey Domenico, and Tommy Ragsdale.

Their whose guidance, preparation, and leadership were instrumental in navigating a challenging season that, punctuated by the dramatic championship-winning try, was pretty unforgettable.

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