Two Big Preseason Wins for St. Martin's Kingfishers
Two Big Preseason Wins for St. Martin's Kingfishers
Going into 2024 St. Martin’s out of Kansas has already set the tone for what could be a very nice follow-up to a strong 2023.
The Kingfishers played Gregory the Great in a December season warmup and followed that up with a game against a KC Alliance U19 team.
They showed very well in the warmups. Against GGA, St. Martin’s won 47-3 with two tries from No. 8 Harry Lategan and tries from scrumhalf Joseph Moleski, flyhalf Patrick Mullholland, wings Sam Egger and Joseph Beckman, and center Ben Skinner. Center Will Van De Ryt converted six of the seven tries.
The team played some excellent defense in the game, which was held at Notre Dame de La Salette’s field in Illinois. While the contest was of course plagued with early-season errors, there was plenty of skill on show as well. But the Kingfishers tackling and discipline was very strong. Moleski earned man-of-the-match honors and scored on a very cheeky little chip kick that surprised GGA. His box kicking and decision-making were very strong. A well-coached and cohesive team, Gregory the Great is just getting started, but the result was a very good showing for St. Martin’s.
A week later, St. Martin’s faced the KC Alliance team. The Alliance team was very big and had a distinct size advantage.
But playing well together St. Martin’s won this one 40-12. Skinner scored two tries in this game while lock Ethan Blakie intercepted a pass to take in. Moleski and Egger both scored tries, while Van De Ryt added 12 points with the boot.
It's a solid start for the defending Kansas state champs, as they have some big goals this season.
St. Martin's vs GGA video is here:
