Southern California's HS Club season is now underway and already there's some separation.

The Irvine Rhinos, who were just accepted to the Boys HS Rugby National Championships, beat a very good Belmont Shore team 38-33 to back up their previous strong performance in the Pacific Cup and Storer Classic preseason tournaments.

The Rhinos actually led 33-7 at halftime, playing a physical brand of rugby that also, maybe, got them into trouble. The Rhinos were pinged with 33 penalties in the second half, along with three cards, and played with 13 players for most of the second half.

"Our boys put in a Herculean effort to defend against Belmont Shore, with multiple goalline stands," said Rhinos Head Coach Derek Nellmapius. "In the first half we really put our game plan into action and was well executed. In the second half, we showed real grit to keep fighting against the odds."

Meanwhile, Coastal Dragons beat a strong South Bay team (also a tea going to HS Nationals) 24-17. Back Bay shut out the OMBAC Wallabies, Santa Clarita beat Santa Monica 26-7 to earn a spot in the FloRugby Top 50, and the San Diego Mustangs hammered the SD Young Aztecs.

That sets up a big rivalry game between the Coastal Dragons (many of the players being from La Costa Canyon HS), and the Mustangs (many of the players being from Torrey Pines HS) on Saturday.

Julian Artiaga has joined the Mustangs team and looks very strong in the midfield, while flyhalf Dylan Coulliol scored three against the Young Aztecs - he also scored three in the single-school title game for La Jolla. 

No. 8 Joseph Portillo out of Fallbrook has also been key for the Mustangs.

"We are fortunate to welcome a number of top talent from many area high schools," said Ramon Samaniego, head coach of the Mustangs. "The key will be getting the group to jell as we face a ton of competition in the Gold Division here in SoCal."

So here's how the weekend looks:

Back Bay faces the Young Aztecs and should be favored;

Belmont Shore faces upstart Santa Clarita in a game that's crucial for Shore;

The Mustangs take on the Dragons;

South Bay looks to rebound against Santa Monica.

In the Tri Counties divisions, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez look good, and Santa Ynez could well run the table.