As March hits its second half we start to see many of the leagues start to get going and some important games in HS rugby, including play-ins for the Boys HS Rugby National Championships.

So far the Play-Ins have kind of shown why the BHSNC Committee wanted the game in the first place, as they've been very close. New Trier vs Pendleton was decided by two points, with new Trier securing a spot. Berks vs Aspetuck was decided by one point, with Berks getting the edge.

That's good for the game that these types of matches happen.

This week we have

Vienna vs Fort Hunt. Judging from the results so far Fort Hunt might have the edge this year. But it, again, promises to be close.

St. Edward vs Moeller. Who knows with this one. Both teams have had flashes of good rugby and moments they'd like to have back.

Penn HS vs Notre Dame de La Salette. Both in good form, although it's tough to tell because their opponents have been so different, this game could potentially be another nailbiter.

Staples vs Greenwich. Originally slated for April, this game has been moved up to give the winner more time to prepare. Again we see this as being very tight.

Note, by the way, that a team losing a play-in isn't necessarily out of it. 

What Else is on the Slate

While The Woodlands has been wading its way through its opposition in Texas, Katy has been lying in wait.

With a couple of players who come from overseas and some more experienced players, Katy has wins over Spartans, Woodlands II, Kingwood, FFA, and Cathedral HS.

“We have some good, explosive backs,” said Head Coach Ryan Marshall. “And we’ve combined that with a very large tight five. It’s a pretty dynamic combination.”

In those backs, Justin Whiripo has looked good at outside center. A New Zealander, he brings a bit more game understanding to the threequarter line. Felipe Savino, who is originally from Argentina, has shown ability at flyhalf and at fullback, and he’s been brought into the Houston Sabercats Academy system. 

His kicking ability and understanding of the flow of the game helps put pressure on the opposition and put teammates into space. He began his rugby journey as a flanker so he tackles well, also.

And behind that imposing tight five is a back row that drives the Katy bus. No. 8 Maui Peters-Alo is a huge presence and very difficult to tackle. Openside flanker Kaikane Napoleon is an athletic presence who can cover the field. Captain and blindside flanker Adam Thomson has the fundamentals down and keeps it all together.

It’s a good unit; keep an eye on them.

Charlotte Cardinals vs Richmond is another matchup of strong teams. Outside observers are very impressed with the Cardinals.

More matchups of two highly-regarded teams include Gregory the Great at Berks, Danville at Jesuit, Wando at Charlotte Tigers, San Diego Mustangs at Belmont Shore, and Strake Jesuit vs St. Thomas.

That last one already occurred, with Strake winning a tough one 20-6. Strake looks to be on top of the Texas-Louisiana School league, and will have a nice challenge against Brother Martin and also Jesuit NOLA in New Orleans in a couple of weeks.