Penn HS of Indiana bounced back from last week's loss to St. Ignatius with a victory over another strong Ohio opponent, St. Edward,

Penn and St Eds have a long history and this meeting was the showcase match of the Penn Spring Invitational. With 14 other games on the day, the Moose Rugby Grounds, stopped play when this one kicked off in front of 400 fans.  While the wind was a bit of a factor for both sides, everyone seemed thrilled the forecasted heavy rain held off.

Penn took an early lead with some nifty backline play and never looked back. "We knew we wanted to start fast against Eds," said Penn coach Bart Bottorff. "This is always a physical and emotional game so to go up early was key."

Penn moved its entire backline around looking for a spark and got it with three tries in the first half.  But as is typical with St Eds, they were not to be outdone and put in a try of their own.

Penn went into the break up 17-5. But in the second half, St. Edward used the wind to pressure Penn and roll up some momentum, drawing within seven points after an unconverted try.  The teams next traded a converted try each before Penn ran in two more late scores to open up the margin 36-17 Penn.

"We moved a few guys in our backs to find some chemistry and got it today with junior Paul Moala coming from fullback to center and sophomore wing Cian Messner at flyhalf," said Bottorff. "Both guys had two tries, and Messner converted three of them so I guess it worked." 

While the attack finally clicked for Penn, it may have been its defense that was most impressive. 

"We held St. Eds five meters from our line on two separate occasions for ten-plus phases," said Penn captain Connor Newman. "Coach has been pushing us to find our identity and maybe today we did."

National Panel referee Shawn Bastic of Chicago managed the game and was pleased to do so.  "I love coming to Elkhart, and to ref a high school game of this high caliber is fantastic.  These two teams can play," said Bastic.

The Penn - St Eds rivalry goes back 18 years and while this one is in the books going to Penn, these two could meet again on this same field in May for the Midwest Championships in yet another classic.