Saint Augustine started their SCIRF season with a comprehensive team effort in defeating a tough La Costa Canyon side 31-10.

Saints senior Michael Colucci was named man of the match after scoring three tries. Captain Aidan Konja, shifted to flyhalf, which isn't his regular position, scored two tries.

Injuries forced Konja to change positions and they also forced some other changes. Freshman Sam Johns came in at scrumhalf and he handled the offensive tempo nicely. 

“We’ll need 40 players with the ability to master the execution of our game plan to get the SCIRF final again," said Head Coach Ethan Willis. "Getting young players like Sam quality minutes in a tough match will help us as the season progresses. We were really proud of his effort.”

LCC dominated the breakdown and set piece in the first half of the game, with Jacob Merklinger and Nolan Opalski making an impact for La Costa.

But the Saints managed to take a 12-0 lead in the first half. Just before the break, La Costa Canyon went over to make it 12-5. In the second half, Saint Augustine broke the game open with three tries. A crafty chip-and-chase from Konja started it off. Coluccia then scored off a maul, and Konja added his third, running in support off a line break. Merklinger answered for La Costa Canyon with a pick-and-go. 

“The boys did well to make adjustments at the breakdown and set piece in the second half. Moving forward we’ll need to work hard to continue to develop our skill set and decision making under pressure,” said Willis.