The Cape Pirates keep making it interesting, but they also keep winning.
The Cocoa Beach-area team defeated a tough Weston HS squad 15-14 this weekend to move to 3-0. All three victories have been close.
Head Coach Steve Roper said the team has shown great discipline in hanging on in the close games.
Brennan George had a massive game for the Pirates while Antonio Pizzatella caused problems as well. Still, Weston went up early, intercepting a pass for a try and then surprising the Pirates with a quick tape for a 14-0 lead.
But 15-year-old wing Ryan Falzoi chased after a kick to touch that everyone assumed was going out, and when it didn’t he dove on it to score.
Then Elvis Espinal broke through and fought off two defenders to score in the corner. Brock Roper hit the touchline conversion and it was 14-12.
With two minutes left Weston were penalized and Roper thumped over the kick to give the Pirates the lead. Weston camped out in the Pirates’ 22 but could not score, and when they were penalized as time expired the game was done. Weston had a player red carded late in the game and that, along with outstanding Cape Pirates defense (minus the first ten minutes) sealed Weston’s fate.
“My backs were potent but lazy on attack, not keeping their depth,” said Coach Roper. “But our defense was incredible. Weston has a great backline but could not get through.”
Also this weekend in Florida, Key Biscayne moved to 3-0 with a 28-5 defeat of St. Thomas Aquinas. The Naples Bears edged the Tampa Krewe 19-14 to go to 3-0, their second straight close victory. Daytona won easily to also move to 3-0.
Scores and standings from Florida Boys HS action:
| St. Thomas Rugby | 5-28 | Key Biscayne Rats HS |
| Naples Bears-HS | 19-14 | Tampa Krewe HS |
| Jupiter Sharks Rugby | 26-0 | Boca Raton HS |
| Trojans U19 | 0-59 | Riviera Beach HS |
| Daytona U19 | 39-0 | Cardinal Gibbons HS |
| Weston | 14-15 | Cape Pirates |
| Florida | ||||
| Northern Pool | W | L | T | Pts |
| Daytona | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Cape Pirates | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Orlando HS | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Tampa Krewe HS | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| South 1 Pool | W | L | T | Pts |
| Key Biscayne HS | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Naples Bears HS | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Boca Raton | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Mavericks | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| South 2 Pool | W | L | T | Pts |
| Riviera Beach HS | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| Jupiter Sharks RC | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| St. Thomas Aquinas | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Miami Rugby HS | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| South 3 Pool | W | L | T | Pts |
| Weston HS | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Cardinal Gibbons HS | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Trojans U19 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
