Ruggerfest Wrapup: Boys Teams That Showed Well

03.05.2024

The Carolina Ruggerfest saw HS boys teams in six different brackets, with 23 teams involved.

This group included several teams ranked by GRR and provided a stern test for North Carolina clubs that were just reforming after the school leagues wrapped up two weeks ago.

This is a massive operation and what pleased those running the event was that the games were played in a very good spirit—a lot of good sportsmanship shown by winners and losing teams alike.

All-Tournament Team

1. Jacob Eroh, Charlotte Cardinals
2. Griffin Fickling, Charlotte Tigers
3. Aidan Gallant, Charlotte Tigers
4. Owen Schultz, St. Edward
5. Andries Van Der Waal, Atlanta Aliens
6. Jack Olivo, Morris
7. Aidan O’Connor, Charlotte Cardinals
8. Kai Campbell, Charlotte Cardinals
9. Porter Kuebler, Charlotte Cardinals
10. Connor McGurk, St. Edward
11. Jean Luc Doumbe, Morris
12. Finlay Mitchell, Charlotte Cardinals
13. Jameson Beatty, Charlotte Tigers
14. Sean Taylor, Atlanta Aliens
15. Zach Colson, Charlotte Cardinals

Charlotte Cardinals

The Cardinals ran several teams in the tournament including three boys teams at the HS level. In the top division, the Beach Mountain Division, the Cardinals shut out all three opponents, with perhaps their most impressive showing a 24-0 whitewash of a very capable St. Edward team.

Finlay Mitchell continued his excellent form at center but it was perhaps their back row that led the charge on defense.

St. Edward

Bringing over 100 players, SEHS got their first runout and had their moments, But they were pipped 14-12 by the Charlotte Tigers and, as we mentioned above, lost to the Cardinals. But wins over Four Points and Morris showed they can piece things together and when they win the field position battle they score.

Most of what they do goes through veteran flyhalf Conor McGurk and his kicking game is very strong. But they also found they have some work to do.

Atlanta Aliens

More on them here: Who are the Atlanta Aliens?

The Aliens had their first chance to be seen by most and we very successful. This is a program designed to get more Atlanta-area high school players playing competitive rugby.

Richmond Strikers

One of the most exciting and interesting teams in the tournament, the Strikers play quick, and love to play quick. Quick-taps, sending it wide, they look to exhaust their opposition. The result was a big win over Oceanside, a bigger win over Charlotte Tigers Bs, and a loss to the Raleigh Rattlesnakes.

Raleigh Rattlesnakes

Led by captain and flyhalf Jackson Hayes the Rattlesnakes beat Oceanside 29-17, Charlotte Tigers Bs 54-0, and Richmond 24-10 in the Grandfather Mountain Division. It was an impressive showing.

Prop Jack Lamotta scored two tries against Oceanside and center Chris Prince did also. Prince added two more against the Tigers and No. 8 Alex Williams scored three.

They won the group with Hayes, Lamotta, and Prince all scoring in the very tough game with Richmond. Raleigh perhaps had the upper hand in the collisions.

"We'll be sore from that one," said Coach Patrick Cox.

Charlotte Tigers

After a couple of rebuilding years, the Tigers have a still-young but talented side led by Jameson Beatty at center and with an effective tight five. Their B side lost all three games, but that's really about getting them game time. Their A side played a smart game. They can defend, run a smart pattern, and can vary up their attack.

The result? 41-10 over Morris, 14-12 over St. Edward, and 22-9 over Four Points.

Benedictine

A single-school team from Virginia that won its division in Rugby VA last year, Benedictine showcased a smart, attractive style of play. They have some good athletes and are building a program based on the camaraderie of the game. It's working nicely, and they beat Greer, and St. Edward Bs twice.