NC Academy over Young Glory

10.25.2023HS Boys

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The Young Glory academy side took on the North Carolina All-Stars over the weekend.

This was a meeting of U18 players, with Young Glory coached by Ben Cima and the NC All-Stars coached by Michael Markofski (who coaches the Sandill Sharks) in conjunction with program director Trevor Caterson of the Chapel Hill Highlanders.

In this game, Young Glory ran out to a 26-10 lead at halftime, but three second-half tries from North Carolina saw NC win it 29-26—Alex Martinez Castro scored two tries and his second saw him go over to win the game with no time left. Beyond Bembry and Jameson Beatty scored one each while Zach Colson added three conversions and a first-half penalty goal.

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Castro was huge at prop carrying hard and forcing Young Glory's defense back. Colson captained the side and was impressive as a leader and making good decisions—his decision in the first half to go for points on a penalty was a smart one as it got NC on the board and launched their comeback.

Beatty was another big carrier for North Carolina, while Porter Kuebler set up Beatty and Bembry for their tries as well as being a constant threat to steal the ball at the breakdowns.

This is the first of a series of games that some all-star/select sides are looking to play with MLR Academies.

The Ohio Aviators are slated to play both of these teams, including a three-game meeting later in the fall. The Aviators is in the process of announcing players who have committed to suit up for them—this Ohio-based select side is another example of a U18 age-grade touring side in a state that doesn't have a Major League Rugby team but wants to get players seen by playing MLR academy teams.

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