New Challengers in Big Rivers Conference
New Challengers in Big Rivers Conference
The Big Rivers Conference is decidedly underway with Thomas More, Marian, and, notably, Principia all winning.
Thomas More had started off with a couple of early-season, non-conference losses but won their opening conference game 52-21 over new member Rio Grande. The Saints were able to open up their attack a little bit more in this game.
Marian defeated Aquinas 30-20 behind 15 points from scrumhalf Max Hendry who kicked three penalty goals and three conversions. This follows on from non-conference wins over Kentucky and Notre Dame for the Knights. Aquinas had an earlier big win over Trine but Trine games don't currently count toward the standings (we had that wrong in the original post).
But perhaps most interesting is Principia, moving up from D2 to NCR D1 and logging a well-taken victory over Iowa Central CC to the tune of 25-18.
"We are very pleased with the bonus-point away win," said Principia Head Coach Phillip Kellerman. "Our aim for this season is to compete well in every game as we get use to our new environment. We were very competitive in all aspects of the game against ICCC and were always leading the game and in control."
Damir Conci showcased some impressive passing in setting up two tries, while Andy Naringo attacked the gainline well with ball in hand, as did forward Ntando Sibanda.
Sibanda was also a big factor in the scrum, while Fran Alessio was excellent at breakdown. But the key thing for Principia is making the adjustment to playing D1 opposition. They have done it before, and regularly play a non-conference game with Lindenwood, but conference play is a little different. Principia won last years D2 title playing a fast, wide-open attacking style. That won't fly so well in the Big Rivers.
"Playing at a higher level means doing the basics and fundamentals better," said Kellerman. "We are still a talented team, but it is not necessarily all-out attack for us anymore. We are more focused on being in control, patient and strategic in what we do with the capacity to break out at any moment."
| Big Rivers | W | L | T | PF | PA | PD | BT | BL | Pts |
| Thomas More | 1 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 21 | 31 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Principia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 18 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Marian | 1 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Iowa Central CC | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 25 | -7 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Wheeling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aquinas | 0 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 30 | -10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rio Grande | 0 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 52 | -31 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
