Rebels Top of Tropical 7s Boys U18 Heap

Rebel Rugby Academy went 6-0 at the Tropical 7s to take the Boys U18 bracket.

Made up of players from the Colorado and Texas area, for the most part, Rebel beat Panther 7s Gold, Gorilla Rugby Academy Black, and Panther White to win their pool. 

They then took carte of Panther 7s Blue 24-10 in the quarterfinals, Gorilla Gray 34-5 in the semis, and Panther 7s Gold 19-7 in the final. 

"We were a late addition to the tournament and we lucked out with a great group of guys who meshed well over the last few days," said Coach Ethan Pougnet. "Kudos to Tournament Director John [Siner], the staff, and the other teams.They put together a great competition and we were happy to be a part of it."

With superb work from Kealan O'Connell (SFGG), whose game management and understanding of space and attacking options were critical, Rebel scored less than four tries in a game only once, and that was the final. 

"He helped move the ball around the pitch to get everyone involved," said Pougnet.

Caden Syddall (Herriman) and Eddie Van Heerden (Charlotte Tigers) were powerful in tight and Rebels veterans Abe Kamara (Palmer HS) and James Thomas (Brighton HS), Dallas Jesuit power-runner Sy Mendenhall were outstanding attacking assets.

Gorilla Grey took 3rd over Panther7s Red 21-20, while Alaska won the Cup, the playoff for teams 9th through 16th.