Pennsylvania's league season opened up with a series of relatively lopsided results.

LaSalle impressed with a 43-10 win over Malvern Prep; Berks won big over West Shore 46-0; St. Joe's Prep won 43-5 over Doylestown.

The closest game was certainly Conestoga's 22-20 edging of defending state champs Gregory the Great.

GGA opened that game with a 12-0 lead. Skilled and quick off defensive line, Gregory the Great showed how they won a state title.

"They are definitely the fastest team off the mark we have seen," said Conestoga Head Coach Chris Ryan. "After about 10 minutes we realized we could play at their speed and even faster than them."

It ws a classic case of how intense competition can be the best teacher, and Conestoga scored three tries to tie the game 17-17 at halftime.

In the second half, Conestoga spent the vast majority of the time in the GGA half. But Gregory played tenacious defense and wouldn't let Conestoga through. Gregory scored a penalty to edge ahead 20-17. 

But with less than 10 minutes to go, Conestoga worked their way down to GGA territory. This time they got through, and scored to take the lead 22-20. 

Gregory had one more chance and Conestoga was penalized in a kickable position. Just as the kick was attempted a gust of wind and snow blew across the field, and the ball was pushed back and short, ending the game.

Flanker Landon Ross put in a huge performance for Conestoga in what was, said Ryan, "a wonderful team effort. Our fitness  and cerebral rugby won the game in the end."

Also this week Rugby PA team Cumberland Valley beat Salesianum in a cross-border game. This coming weekend, Berks takes on said Cumberland Valley, while Conestoga plays Delaware-based Salesianum, which is augmenting its schedule with some Pennsylvania  opposition. Doylestown takes on LaSalle, and GGA plays West Shore.